Maverik Buffo delivers a pitch against the University of the Pacific. (Ari Davis)
The BYU baseball team improved their record to 23-3 with a three-game series sweep over the University of Portland over the weekend.
Three home runs from the Cougar batters lifted the team over Portland 8-2 on Thursday, March 31. Center fielder Brennon Lund went 4-5 with a leadoff home run and three doubles while designated hitter Colton Shaver had five RBIs in the game including a two-run homer. Right fielder Keaton Kringlen also had a solo home run in the win.
'We had a great offensive approach tonight,' said head coach Mike Littlewood.
Right handed pitcher Michael Rucker recorded the win and moved to 6-0 on the season.
The series continued Friday with a 4-1 BYU victory thanks to 14 strikeouts from three Cougar pitchers.
Right handed pitcher Maverik Buffo tallied a career-high 10 strikeouts and recorded his fifth win of the season. Keaton Cenatiempo and Mason Marshall pitched in relief with Marshall earning the save.
'That was as sharp as I've seen (Buffo) and he showed great tenacity and resiliency,' Littlewood said. 'Keaton and Mason stepped up big for us out of the pen and our defense was sharp. It was just a great team win.'
BYU completed the sweep on Saturday with a 5-3 victory. Shaver went 2-4 with three RBIs in the win and left handed pitcher Hayden Rogers earned his third win of the season.
The Cougars will return to Provo for a five-game home stand starting on Monday, April 4 as they take on the University of Arizona.