LOS ANGELES — Nate Stiveson's three-run double gave LMU a lead it held for five innings, but a two-run Portland ninth, aided by a center field error, spoiled the Lions' best chance at a series win, as LMU dropped the finale 4-3 Sunday afternoon at Page Stadium to fall to 0-3 in WCC play.

Stiveson was the offensive catalyst for the second straight day. With two outs in the bottom of the fourth and the bases loaded, the junior drove a double to right field, plating Win Gurney, Zach Wadas and JD Dunn to give LMU a 3-1 lead. It was Stiveson's second straight impressive performance after his solo home run Saturday, and it gave starter Avery Laine something to work with.

Laine was solid in his 5.1 innings of work. The right-hander allowed just two earned runs on four hits while striking out two and walking one. Laine surrendered a solo home run to Gage Bruce in the sixth that cut LMU's lead to 3-2, but otherwise kept Portland off the board and gave the Lions a chance to win late.

Alec Johnson took over in the sixth and was sharp through the seventh and eighth before the ninth unraveled. A fielding error by center fielder Travis Friend proved costly, as Portland scored twice in the frame to take a 4-3 lead, with the go-ahead run coming home unearned. Johnson takes the loss at 0-3, though just one of the two ninth-inning runs was earned.

LMU had a chance in the bottom of the ninth with Wadas drawing a walk with one out, but Dunn popped out and Stiveson grounded out to end it.

The Lions will be back in action on Tuesday, March 24 on the road at Jackie Robinson Stadium to face the top-ranked Bruins.