SAN FRANCISCO (17-16) AT PORTLAND (20-14)

Preview

PORTLAND, Ore. (Interstat) — The Portland Pilots, looking to rebound from a tough road trip, return to Joe Etzel Field on Friday to open a three-game series against the San Francisco Dons.

The Pilots (20-14) have dropped four straight, including a 9-3 loss at Washington State on Monday. Third baseman Dakota Chun provided a bright spot in that defeat, hitting a two-run home run. He is a player to watch for Portland, though he is 5 for his last 34 at the plate.

San Francisco (17-16) arrives after a 12-2 road loss at Sacramento State on Tuesday. Relief pitcher Alex Gomez was effective in that game, throwing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. Gomez, a key arm out of the Dons’ bullpen, will be a player to watch for the visitors. In his last three appearances, he has allowed two earned runs over 2.2 innings.

The Dons have been inconsistent, alternating wins and losses frequently in recent weeks. Their pitching staff will be tested by a Portland lineup that averages over six runs per game at home.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Friday’s contest projects to be a tight one, with a predicted final score of San Francisco 5, Portland 4.

The series continues Saturday and Sunday in Portland before both teams face non-conference midweek tests. San Francisco travels to California on Tuesday, while Portland visits Washington.