Pacific Tigers Edge Past Broncos in Fireworks Night Victory

The University of the Pacific Tigers secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Santa Clara Broncos in a high-scoring West Coast Conference baseball showdown on April 18, 2026, at Schott Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The win marked Pacific’s second consecutive late-inning rally against the Broncos, extending their momentum in the conference race.

Trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the Tigers erupted for three runs to take a 5-4 lead. Designated hitter Marcus Lopez delivered the go-ahead two-run double off Broncos reliever Jake Morin, clearing the bases with two outs. Earlier in the inning, leadoff hitter Jordan Reyes singled and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt before scoring on Lopez’s hit.

Santa Clara had taken a 4-2 lead into the eighth after a strong performance from starting pitcher Liam Carter, who allowed just two runs over six innings while striking out eight. Carter’s effort was undone by a shaky bullpen appearance, as Morin allowed the inherited runner to score before giving up Lopez’s double.

Pacific’s starting pitcher, senior right-hander Eli Navarro, kept the Tigers in the game through seven innings, allowing three runs on five hits with six strikeouts and two walks. Navarro exited with the game tied 2-2 after seven, setting the stage for the offensive explosion in the eighth.

The Broncos threatened in the top of the ninth, loading the bases with one out against Tigers closer Daniel Ruiz. Ruiz struck out pinch hitter Tyler Greene before inducing a groundout to shortstop from outfielder Riley Chen to end the game and preserve the win.

Offensively, Pacific was led by Lopez, who finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored. Reyes went 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI, while center fielder Darius Boone added two hits and a stolen base. For Santa Clara, Carter went 2-for-3 at the plate with an RBI single, and Morin took the loss after allowing two runs on two hits in one-third of an inning.

The victory improved Pacific’s record to 22-14 overall and 9-6 in West Coast Conference play, placing them third in the standings behind Gonzaga and Saint Mary’s. Santa Clara fell to 18-18 overall and 7-8 in conference play, dropping to fifth in the WCC.

Pacific head coach Mike Bennett praised his team’s resilience after the game. “We’ve been in tough spots all year, and these guys keep finding ways to win,” Bennett said. “That eighth inning was a product of good at-bats and refusing to panic. Ruiz came in and shut the door when we needed him.”

Santa Clara coach Alex Ramos acknowledged the bullpen struggles but remained optimistic about his team’s direction. “We had the lead and didn’t finish it,” Ramos said. “Credit to Pacific for battling, but we’ve got to execute better in the late innings. That’s on us.”

The two teams are set to meet again in the final game of the three-game series on April 19, 2026, also at Schott Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. PDT.