Zach Todd delivered six scoreless innings as Pacific beat LMU 8-0, setting up a pivotal West Coast Conference game two.
A single night can flip a series, and Pacific’s opening win over LMU made that message loud and clear.
In Stockton. redshirt junior Zach Todd powered an 8-0 shutout by fanning a career-high 11 hitters and keeping the Lions quiet throughout.. Misryoum reports the Tigers delivered early separation. scoring six runs in the second inning. then adding another run later to turn a strong start into a complete. statement win.
Todd worked through six scoreless frames. allowing just two hits while striking out 11. a performance that also marked his 100th career strikeout in college.. The Tigers’ offense backed him with timely hits and a key stretch of pressure in the second. a theme that defined how easily Pacific could control the tempo.
The standout moment came when Pacific turned a productive inning into a rally that LMU struggled to slow.. Redshirt sophomore JT Shank kicked things off with a two-run single. and senior Jake Tandy capped the surge with a run-producing double down the left-field line. helping make the scoreline feel settled early.
Insight: Shutouts are more than a pitching statistic, they often reflect discipline across the whole defense, where early runs can sharpen focus while limiting the opponent’s chances to settle into the game.
On top of the run support. freshman Connor Raridan closed the door with three clean innings and four strikeouts. earning his second save of the season.. On the offensive side. Brendan O’Sullivan also played a key role. adding multiple-hit output that helped Pacific keep pressure on after the big second inning.
Pacific now carries momentum into game two of the West Coast Conference series at 3 p.m. at Klein Family Field. Misryoum notes that the first 250 fans will receive a Hawaiian shirt giveaway, adding a local, community-friendly touch to what already looks like a meaningful follow-up matchup.
Insight: After an 8-0 opener, the next challenge is mental as much as strategic, because the team that responds best to the previous outcome often sets the tone for the rest of the series.