LMU hits three home runs in series-opening win against Gonzaga

Loyola Marymount took an early lead against Gonzaga ace Daniel Bies and went on to defeat the Bulldogs 5-2 in a WCC baseball series opener on Friday night at Patterson Baseball Complex.

LMU’s Niko Pacheco hit solo home runs in the second and fifth innings off Bies and the Lions extended their lead against the GU bullpen in the later innings. LMU (20-22, 12-7 WCC) led 3-2 entering the ninth before adding insurance runs on a home run by Billy Wilson and Harry Hibberd scored on a fielder’s choice.

Bies, the reigning WCC Pitcher of the Week, pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and one walk.

Gonzaga (20-19, 10-9) scored on Jake Vieth’s solo home run in the fifth inning and Austin Pinorini’s sacrifice fly in the eighth.

The series continues Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at noon.