Pacific Tigers Rally Late to Edge Past Broncos

Tigers score three runs in the 8th inning to overcome Santa Clara's lead

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:34am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold team colors representing the Pacific Tigers and Santa Clara Broncos baseball game, with overlapping shapes and planes conveying the intensity and excitement of the comeback victory.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic late-inning comeback by the Pacific Tigers against the Santa Clara Broncos, capturing the raw energy and shifting momentum of the game.Santa Clara Today

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. Trailing 4-2 entering the bottom of the eighth inning, the Tigers erupted for three runs to take a 5-4 lead, with designated hitter Marcus Lopez delivering the go-ahead two-run double.

Why it matters

The win marked Pacific's second consecutive late-inning rally against the Broncos, extending their momentum in the conference race. The game also highlighted the Tigers' resilience and ability to overcome deficits, as well as the Broncos' bullpen struggles in the late innings.

The details

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. However, the Broncos' bullpen faltered, as reliever Jake Morin allowed the inherited runner to score before giving up Lopez's go-ahead 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.

  • The game took place on April 18, 2026.
  • The Tigers scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to take a 5-4 lead.

The players

University of the Pacific Tigers

A Division I college baseball team competing in the West Coast Conference.

Santa Clara Broncos

A Division I college baseball team competing in the West Coast Conference.

Marcus Lopez

The designated hitter for the University of the Pacific Tigers, who delivered the go-ahead two-run double in the eighth inning.

Liam Carter

The starting pitcher for the Santa Clara Broncos, who allowed just two runs over six innings while striking out eight.

Eli Navarro

The starting pitcher for the University of the Pacific Tigers, who kept his team in the game through seven innings.

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What they’re saying

“We've been in tough spots all year, and these guys keep finding ways to win. 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.”

— Mike Bennett, Pacific head coach

“We had the lead and didn't finish it. Credit to Pacific for battling, but we've got to execute better in the late innings. That's on us.”

— Alex Ramos, Santa Clara head coach

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

This game showcased the resilience and late-inning heroics of the Pacific Tigers, who were able to overcome a two-run deficit in the eighth inning to secure the victory. The loss highlighted the Broncos' bullpen struggles, an area they will need to address as they look to bounce back in the series finale.