MALIBU, Calif. (Interstat) — Jack Fowler pitched five strong innings and Shawn Romero homered to lead Pepperdine to an 8-1 victory over Portland on Saturday afternoon at Eddy D. Field Stadium.

Fowler allowed one hit and struck out five over five scoreless innings. Romero hit a two-run home run in the second inning. Nash Horton doubled in two runs in the fourth and Danny Cook added a two-run double in the eighth.

Pepperdine improved to 20-29 overall, while Portland fell to 25-22. The Pilots’ lone run came on a solo homer by Carter Stewart in the ninth.

Portland starter Trey Newmann took the loss, allowing three earned runs on no hits in six innings, though two unearned runs scored on a second-inning error. Austin Plisinski earned the save with four innings of relief, allowing five hits and one run.

Pepperdine totaled nine hits, while Portland managed six. The Waves have won two straight against the Pilots, with the series finale scheduled Sunday.