SAN FRANCISCO — Portland took advantage of mistakes and free passes Saturday to even the West Coast Conference Opening Weekend series between it and the San Francisco baseball team, as the Pilots scored the most runs by an opponent at new Benedetti Diamond in a 20-2 WCC victory over the Dons.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Portland (15-5, 1-1 WCC) scored 13 runs in the first three innings to put itself comfortably ahead early on. The Pilots loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the first and got two runs on a double play and a two-out error by the Dons. Then three consecutive two-out hits capped by a three-run home run by Matt Kelly made it 5-0 after two.
   
• The third inning is when Portland broke the game open with eight runs – seven unearned. Two leadoff singles started the Pilots' rally, followed by four San Francisco errors within the next three at-bats that allowed three runs to score and make it 8-0. The Dons (11-7, 1-1 WCC) brought in a relief pitcher, but four straight base hits capped by a two-run home run from Daniel Lopez made it 13-0.
   
• San Francisco also flexed its power muscles, however. Jonathan Allen hit a home run for the second straight day, his third in the last four games and sixth on the year to put the Dons on the board in the fourth inning. Jacob Muñoz also hit his first career home run with a solo shot off the right-field netting in the sixth.
   
• The Dons were not completely without chances Saturday, as they stranded seven runners – four in scoring position. San Francisco had at least one hit in each of the first six innings and had the leadoff batter reach five different times during the game. But USF went 1 for 15 with runners on base and 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.
   
• Portland added to its lead with six runs in the eighth inning. Six consecutive free passes (five walks, hit-by-pitch) scored three runs, then a single by Kelly drove in two more. Lopez tacked on another RBI for himself with a sacrifice fly to cap the inning's scoring. Kelly would finish the game going 3 for 4 with seven RBIs and three runs scored. Lopez had three RBIs in the game.

NOTABLE NUMBERS

• 5: The Dons have hit home runs in five consecutive games dating to Saturday's game versus Rider. They have six total homers during that stretch and 11 on the season. Saturday was their first multi-home run game since the season opener on Feb. 15 at San Diego State when they also hit two.
• 20: The 20 runs scored by the Pilots were the most scored by an opponent at the new Benedetti Diamond that opened on April 13, 2016. The previous high was 14 by Xavier on March 8 of last season. It was also the most runs the Dons had allowed since Arizona State scored 21 against USF on April 28, 2010, in Tempe, Ariz.

COMING UP

• The rubber match of the series is set for a 1 p.m. start on Sunday. Portland will throw right-hander Chris Clements in the series finale against a to-be-announced USF starter.