Sea Warriors To Host Annual Alumni Game
Aloha.
Welcome back to another exciting year of Sea Warrior Baseball. On Saturday, February 6, 2010 will be the Annual Alumni game. This game is scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. at Hans L’ Orange Park. If you are interested in participating in the Alumni game, please contact Coach Garett Yukumoto at 808-277-9857 or Coach Les Akeo at 808-306-1185 no later than January 23, 2010. You may also email Coach Yukumoto at gyukumoto@hpu.edu.
Please feel free to contact Coach Garett Yukumoto with any updated information (address, email or telephone number).
Thank you for your support. Hope to see you at the game.
HPU Baseball Releases Three Early Signings
Honolulu (12/2/09) – The HPU baseball team released three signings made during the NCAA early signing period. Hawai‘i products Jordon Oshiro, Zachary Manago, and Josh Kaiwi will join the Sea Warriors for the 2011 season.
Oshiro is entering his senior season at Pearl City High School where he earned All-State honors in 2009. “Jordan’s speed is his biggest asset,” said HPU Head Coach Garett Yukumoto, who enters his fifth season with the Sea Warriors. “We’ll be utilizing him in the outfield and to increase our speed on the base paths.”
Zachary Manago is in the midst of his senior year at Moanalua High School where he also was a 2009 All-State selection. “Zachary will join our pitching staff next spring,” commented Yukumoto. “He has the potential to be a special player, and his ability to command all his pitches will be vital for us.”
Josh Kaiwi will come to HPU after a stellar prep career at Makua Lani Christian School on the Big Island. Yukumoto is excited about the potential of his young pitcher. “He has demonstrated a solid pitching ability and will bring his craft to the mound next year.”
The Sea Warriors posted their second consecutive winning season. They were 30-19 overall, and finished second in the PacWest with a 14-10 conference record. “All of them bring something special to our program,” added Yukumoto. “We are excited to have all three of them join the Sea Warrior family.”
Sea Warrior Baseball To Hold Tryouts
Sea Warrior students who are looking to prove their mettle on the diamond will get their chance, as head baseball coach Garett Yukumoto has announced the date for tryouts for the 2009-10 club.
Potential walk-on student-athletes are invited to follow the steps listed below in order to be considered to play Pacific West baseball for Yukumoto and Hawai'i Pacific University.
- Proof of a medical physical by a physician within the last 12 months is required for all players in order to be considered.
- Potential student-athletes must go through the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse at ncaaclearinghouse.net.
- Potential student-athletes must be enrolled in at least 12 hours at Hawaii Pacific University. - There will be a mandatory player meeting prior to the tryout on Wednesday, September 9 at 4:30 p.m. at Keehi Lagoon Park. All prospective players must attend this meeting.
- On-field tryouts will be held on Saturday, September 12 at 11: a.m. at Keehi Lagoon Park.
More information about the tryout will be provided during the meeting on September 9th.
HPU Baseball Signs Kiley Kawazoe
Honolulu (7/16/09) – The HPU baseball team signed junior transfer Kiley Kawazoe for the 2009 season. The announcement was made today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University athletics office.
Kawazoe graduated and lettered at Hilo High School, where he led the Vikings to the 2007 HHSAA State Semifinals his senior season. Prior to coming to HPU, Kawazoe played two seasons at Merced College (Merced, California). This past season, he helped lead the Blue Devils to a 36-10 overall record and the Central Valley Conference title.
“Kiley saw most of his action at first base and as a designated hitter,” said HPU Head Coach Garett Yukumoto of his time at Merced. “He will definitely compete for a starting spot at those positions. He brings a left-handed bat to the lineup with some power.”
Kawazoe rejoins former Hilo High School teammate and current HPU pitcher R.T. Ebesu.
The Sea Warriors posted their second consecutive winning season. They were 30-19 overall, and finished second in the PacWest with a 14-10 conference record.
HPU Baseball Signs Pitcher Nolan Hoppie
Honolulu, HI (6/18/09) – The HPU baseball team signed pitcher Nolan Hoppie for the 2010 season, announced today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University athletics office.
“Nolan will join our pitching staff next season and hopefully add to the talent we currently have,” comments HPU Head Coach Garett Yukumoto. “He pitched well in high school and we are looking for good things from him.”
Hoppie (5-10, 165 1bs) comes to HPU as a true freshman from Villa Park High School in California. Last season he led his Spartan team to the second round of the CIF Division I playoffs, posting a 5-3 record in 11 starts.
He also recorded two saves. In 2009, Hoppie had 34 strikeouts in 67 innings pitched. He struck out a season-high six batters in an 8-1 win over Santa Margarita High School.
Hoppie joins an HPU team that posted their second consecutive winning season. They were 30-19 overall, and finished second in the PacWest with a 14-10 conference record.
HPU Baseball Signs Junior College Pair
Honolulu, HI (6/12/09) – The HPU baseball team signed recruits Tyler Davis and Mike Greene. The announcement was made today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University athletics office. Both Davis and Greene come as transfers from Lower Columbia Community College in Longview, Washington.
Davis, originally from Central Point, Oregon, joins HPU as a junior and will be competing for time as an outfielder. HPU Coach Garett Yukumoto comments on his newcomer. “Tyler will assist us in roaming the outfield, but also has great speed which we will definitely take advantage of.”
For the Red Devils last season, Davis batted .287 with 14 RBI, nine doubles, and 19 stolen bases.
Teammate Mike Greene (Lebanon, OR) joins HPU also as a junior, and will primarily be used as a pitcher. Coach Yukumoto also sees Greene’s versatility. “He was used in various roles last season with Lower Columbia, and will compete for a starting role next season.”
Greene earned four wins and posted a 1.65 ERA last season with the Red Devils. He also recorded 35 strikeouts on the season.
Greene is pitching this summer for the Wenatchee AppleSox of the West Coast League. He is part of a pitching staff that includes current HPU player Chad Wagner, and will be competing against current HPU shortstop Sean Winston of the Spokane RiverHawks.
Lower Columbia was 24-1 last season and won the West Division of the Northwest Community College Association.
Davis and Greene join an HPU team that posted their second consecutive winning season. They were 30-19 overall, and finished second in the PacWest with a 14-10 conference record.
HPU Baseball Signs Recruits Tamaru and Sumner
Honolulu, HI (6/10/09) – Freshmen recruits Kale Sumner and Wade Tamaru signed National Letters of Intent to play baseball next season at HPU. The announcement was made today by the Hawai‘i Pacific University athletics office.
Sumner joins the Sea Warriors from Kailua High School, where he led the Surfriders to the 2009 HHSAA State Championship final. “Kale played all over the diamond and was one of Kailua’s most versatile players,” praised HPU Coach Garett Yukumoto. “We’re looking forward to having him.”
Sumner earned First-Team All-OIA and All-State honors in 2009. He was switched from third base to catcher during the season, and hit .440 in league play. He is also the grandson of legendary HPU softball Coach Howard Okita, and his sister Charina currently plays softball at East Carolina University.
Tamaru comes to HPU after a stellar prep career at Mid Pacific Institute in Honolulu. “Wade is considered one of the best players to come out of Mid Pacific,” said Yukumoto. “He will be a great help as we continue to strengthen our infield.”
Tamaru started at shortstop for the Owls, and was selected to the Hawai‘i All-State Third-Team.
The Sea Warriors posted their second consecutive winning season. They were 30-19 overall, and finished second in the PacWest with a 14-10 conference record.
HPU’s Blake Amaral Earns Baseball All-Region Honors
Dallas, TX (5/26/09) – Freshman Blake Amaral was selected to the NCBWA All-West Region Team, announced today by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Blake Amaral (Hilo, HI), in earning Second-Team honors, was the only freshman selected to either the first or second team. Amaral started 48 games for the Sea Warriors, batting .386 with 33 runs scored, 11 doubles, four triples, and five home runs. He was also third in the PacWest with 46 RBI. Amaral broke the HPU single game RBI record this season, knocking home 10 runs in a win versus UH-Hilo (4/25).
The NCBWA is an organization open to baseball writers, broadcasters, and publicists, and sponsors preseason All-American awards, and publication and writing contests.
The Sea Warriors finished the 2009 season at 30-19 and second in the PacWest.
HPU Baseball Tops UPR-Bayamon
St. George, UT (5/8/09) – On Day 3 of the PacWest Little World Series, the HPU baseball team defeated the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 15-1. The Sea Warriors improve to 2-1 in the tournament, and advance to a rematch with Grand Canyon.
Turhan Folse (7-2) pitched a complete game for the win. In seven innings of work, he allowed just one run on four hits with a season high 10 strikeouts. Richard Rodriguez received the loss, allowing six earned runs on 11 hits in four innings of work.
Blake Amaral led the Sea Warrior effort. He homered in the first and sixth innings on his way to collecting three hits, three runs scored, and five RBI.
Aaron Asher (2-2, 4 R, 2 RBI) also homered for the Sea Warriors, a shot over the left field wall in the second inning.
Cheynne Hirota and Rylan Morihara each added three hits. Jose Marrero batted 2-2 with one run scored to lead UPRB.
HPU and Grand Canyon take the field tomorrow, May 9, with the start time to be determined.
Sea Warriors Fall To Grand Canyon
St. George, UT (5/7/09) – In their second game of the PacWest Little World Series, the HPU baseball team fell to Grand Canyon 19-7. HPU falls to 1-1 in the tournament while the Antelopes improve to 2-0.
The game was shortened to seven innings due to the 10-run mercy rule.
Toby Inouye (0-1) was tagged with the loss for HPU. He lasted one-third of an inning, allowing two earned runs on one hit. Mark Hardy earned the win for GCU. He pitched a complete game, giving up three earned runs on 10 hits with five strikeouts.
Blake Amaral and Cheynne Hirota paced the Sea Warriors. Amaral batted 2-4 with one RBI, and Hirota added two hits, two runs, two RBI, and a home run.
Joey Jacobson led GCU, batting 3-3 with three runs and five RBI.
Alex Agortsas posted two hits with one run and one RBI for HPU.
The Sea Warriors next Little World Series game is tomorrow, Friday May 8, at 7:00 p.m. Their opponent is still to be determined.
Sea Warriors Triumph In Little World Series Opener
St. George, UT (5/6/09) – The HPU baseball team topped the University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon, 20-5, on Day 1 of the Pacific West Conference Little World Series. The Sea Warriors scored nine runs in the fourth inning, as the game was shortened to seven innings under the 10-run mercy rule.
The four-day Division II baseball event is being hosted by Dixie State College and set in a double-elimination format.
Aaron Asher batted 2-4 with two RBI, four runs scored, and a home run, and PacWest leading hitter Cheynne Hirota had a triple and three RBI. Derek Grace and Lester Akeo each posted two hits and three runs scored, with Akeo adding a pair of runs.
Sean Winston led the Sea Warriors with three hits, three runs scored, and one RBI. Caelan O’Meara earned the victory, scattering five hits allowing one earned run with seven strikeouts.
UPR-Bayamon’s Luis Santiago was 3-3 with two RBI, while Roberto Navares batted 2-3 and Joeseph Negron hit 2-3 with two runs scored and one RBI.
HPU advances to play PacWest rival Grand Canyon University. First pitch is set for Thursday, May 7, at 3:00 p.m. MST.
HPU Baseball Takes Part In Postseason Classic
Honolulu, HI (5/5/09) – After finishing their regular season campaign with wins in seven of their last eight games, the HPU baseball team will play in the inaugural PacWest Little World Series held May 6-9 in St. George, Utah.
The tournament, hosted by Dixie State College, also includes Grand Canyon University, Academy of Art University, University of Puerto Rico Bayamon, University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez, and University of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras.
HPU Head Coach Garett Yukumoto is excited about the opportunity. “We are really looking forward to competing against the three Puerto Rico schools and again with our conference members. I anticipate this will be a very rewarding experience for our players and coaches.”
“It was a concept that went quickly from discussion to implementation in less than a year,” Bob Hogue, Commissioner of the PacWest Conference, explained. “We are just extremely thrilled and excited to give these student-athletes an opportunity to play for a championship, and also share in some cultural diversity at the same time.”
The tournament is set up in a double-elimination format with games played each day at 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The Sea Warriors closed the regular season 28-17, and are optimistic about receiving a selection to the NCAA West Region Tournament. Yukumoto is hoping the selection committee will consider his solid finish to the season.
The Sea Warriors’ opening game is tomorrow, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. MST.
Sea Warriors Split With Grand Canyon, Fall Short of PacWest Title
Phoenix, AZ (5/3/09) – The HPU baseball team split a PacWest doubleheader with Grand Canyon. The Sea Warriors won game one 9-7, but fell in game two 7-4. HPU moved to 28-17 overall while Grand Canyon is now 14-36.
HPU needed a sweep to clinch a share of the PacWest title with Dixie State, and close the conference season at 14-10.
Micah Takahashi (1-1), in relief of starter Turhan Folse, earned the win in game one for HPU. He allowed one run on no hits in one inning of work. Chris Shelley (0-1) received the loss for GCU.
Cheynne Hirota led HPU batting 3-3 with four runs and one RBI. Lester Akeo added three hits, one run, and two RBI.
Austin Stockfisch paced GCU batting 1-3 with one run and four RBI.
Danny Cox (5-3) dropped the decision for HPU in game two. He pitched five and one-third innings allowing six earned runs on 14 hits. Santos Villanueva (1-1) earned the win for GCU, allowing two earned runs on seven hits in seven innings of work.
Aaron Asher posted two hits and one run scored to lead HPU. Jeff Mutchler (2-2, 2 R, 2 RBI) paced GCU.
Having concluded the regular season, HPU continues on to St. George, Utah where they will participate in the inaugural Little World Series. HPU’s first game of the seven-team tournament is set for Wednesday, May 6, against the University of Puerto Rico-Piedras. Start time is set for 7:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
HPU Baseball Sweeps Grand Canyon, Remains In Title Chase
Phoenix, AZ (5/1/09) – On the campus of Grand Canyon University, the HPU baseball team swept the Antelopes in a PacWest doubleheader. HPU won the opener 4-1 and took game two 7-6. HPU improves to 27-16 overall and 13-9 in the PacWest.
In game one Caelen O’Meara (6-2) pitched a complete game, allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts for the win. Blake Amaral and Cheynne Hirota each collected two hits, and Aaron Asher batted 1-4 with one run and one RBI.
Kevin Burbank received the loss for Grand Canyon, who fell to 13-35 overall and 7-15 in the PacWest. He allowed three earned runs on eight hits in seven innings of work. John Stanko led GCU batting 1-3, with one run and one RBI.
Game two saw Aaron Asher hit his 20th career homerun, a three-run shot to give HPU a 3-0 first inning lead. Toby Inouye (4-0), in relief of starter Chad Wagner, recorded the win for HPU allowing no runs on three hits in two innings of work. B.A. Garner pitched one and two-thirds innings for his eighth save of the season.
Amaral batted 3-5 with one run and one RBI, and Asher hit 2-4 with two runs and three RBI. Bas Nooij added three hits, one run, and one RBI.
Mark Hardy was tagged with the loss for GCU, allowing six runs on 11 hits in five innings of work. Tyler Bair (2-3, 1 R, 1 RBI) and PJ Garcia (2-3, 2 R, 1 RBI) paced the Antelopes.
HPU and GCU face off in another doubleheader on Sunday, May 2. With two wins, HPU will close the season tied with Dixie State and earn a share of the PacWest crown. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 12:00 p.m. PST.
Sea Warriors Sweep Vulcans, Honor Seniors
Waipahu, HI (4/26/09) – For the second straight day, the HPU baseball team swept UH-Hilo. HPU took game one 15-12 and completed the sweep with a 10-1 win in game two. The doubleheader was played at Hans L’Orange Park, and was the home finale for HPU.
Blake Amaral paced HPU in game one, batting 4-5 with one run and two RBI. Alex Agortsas (3-4, 1 R, 2 RBI) and Jacob Valentine (3-4, 2 R, 3 RBI) were also solid contributors.
Keoni Manago batted 4-4 with two runs and four RBI to lead UH-Hilo.
Toby Inouye earned the win for HPU to improve to a perfect 3-0. He pitched five innings allowing three earned runs on eight hits with two strikeouts.
Christian Stephenson received the loss for the Vulcans, allowing six runs on six hits in three and one-third innings of work.
Game two saw Micah Takahashi (1-1) earn his first win of the season. He pitched five strong innings allowing one run on three hits. Matt Maggiolo and Nick Alexander each pitched one inning of scoreless relief to seal the win.
Tyler Simao received the loss for UHH, allowing five runs on five hits in just one and one-third innings of work.
Jonah Hobson and Cheynne Hirota both batted 4-4 to lead HPU. Kenny Turner, Lester Akeo, and Aaron Asher each added two hits.
After the doubleheader, the HPU seniors were honored.
The Sea Warriors next travel to Grand Canyon. They take on the Antelopes in a five-game series beginning Friday, May 1. First pitch of the opening series doubleheader is set for 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Sea Warriors Sweep UH-Hilo, Amaral Breaks RBI Record
Waipahu, HI (4/25/09) – At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team swept a doubleheader with UH-Hilo. The Sea Warriors won handily in game one 18-2, and completed the sweep with an 8-7 win in the nightcap. The Sea Warriors improve to 23-16 overall and 11-9 in the PacWest, and UH-Hilo drops to 20-19 overall and 11-13 in conference.
The opener featured a record-breaking performance by freshman Blake Amaral, whose 10 RBI broke an HPU single-game record. He belted a grand slam and added a triple and two singles.
Turhan Folse (5-1) earned the win for HPU. He allowed two earned runs on six hits in five innings of work. Jesse Moon received the loss, pitching one and two-thirds innings allowing eight runs on six hits.
Keoni Manago batted 3-4 with one run to lead UH-Hilo.
HPU won game two on a walk-off two-RBI base hit by Cheynne Hirota (2-4, 4 RBI). In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Sea Warriors trailed 7-6 when Hirota delivered a base hit to right field to drive in Sean Winston and Rylan Morihara for the game-winning runs.
Aaron Asher (2-4, 2 R, 3 RBI) paced HPU, hitting his 19th career homerun to add to his HPU record.
Keoni Manago, Peter Rodgers, and Thomas Brown each collected three hits for the Vulcans.
B.A. Garner (1-1) earned the win in relief of Danny Cox, pitching three innings allowing no runs on two hits.
Reliever Kurtis Sherer was tagged with the loss for UHH.
The Sea Warriors conclude their series with UH-Hilo tomorrow, April 26. First pitch of the doubleheader is set at 11:00 a.m. at Hans L’Orange Park.
HPU Baseball Swept By UH-Hilo
Waipahu, HI (4/24/09) – At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team was swept by UH-Hilo in a PacWest doubleheader. UH-Hilo took game one 8-2, and followed with a 14-6 win in the nightcap. HPU falls to 21-16 overall and 9-9 in the PacWest. UHH improves to 20-17 overall and 11-11 in conference.
In the opener, the Sea Warriors were outmatched by Vulcan starter Kekoa Lee (6-3). He pitched a complete game allowing no earned runs on two hits with seven strikeouts. Caelen O’Meara (5-2) received the loss for HPU allowing five runs on nine hits in five innings of work.
Matt Hassenritter led UH-Hilo, batting 4-4 with two runs and five RBI. Cheynne Hirota and Sean Winston each collected a hit for HPU.
In the nightcap, the Sea Warriors saw a 6-3 fifth inning lead slip away. UH-Hilo plated three runs in the top of the first inning, but a Cheynne Hirota three-run homerun in the bottom of the inning tied the game for HPU. Hirota batted 2-2 with one run and five RBI.
The Sea Warriors plated three more runs in the second inning, but the lead would not hold up. Starter Chad Wagner (3-6) received the loss, allowing six earned runs on nine hits with four strikeouts in five and one-third innings of work.
Sean Winston and Blake Amaral added two hits each for HPU. Keoni Manago led UHH batting 4-5 with four runs and two RBI.
Vulcan reliever Tyler Simao earned the win, pitching three innings allowing no runs on three hits.
HPU and UH-Hilo continue their series tomorrow, Saturday with games three and four. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Park, and will be broadcasted live on OC-16 TV and AM 1500 radio.
HPU Baseball Splits Doubleheader With Dixie State
Waipahu, HI (4/11/09) – At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team split a doubleheader with Dixie State College. The Sea Warriors took game one 6-4, but fell in the nightcap 7-3. HPU improves to 21-14 and Dixie State is now 22-14.
Turhan Folse (3-2) earned the win for HPU in game one. He pitched six innings, allowing three runs on three hits with eight strikeouts. B.A. Garner pitched the seventh inning to record his seventh save of the season.
Preston Grimes received the loss for the Red Storm, allowing three earned runs on seven hits in three innings of work.
Blake Amaral paced HPU batting 2-3 with one run scored. Tim Mott hit 3-4 with one run for Dixie State.
Danny Cox took the mound for HPU in the nightcap, but received the loss to fall to 5-2. He pitched five and one-third innings allowing three earned runs on eight hits with six strikeouts.
Jayson Madsen earned the win for the Red Storm, tossing six innings allowing two runs on seven hits.
Aaron Asher and Amaral each collected two hits, with Amaral adding two RBI. Alex Rosenhan led DSC batting 3-4 with two runs and four RBI.
The Sea Warriors return to action this Friday, April 24, as they open a four-game set with UH-Hilo. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Park.
HPU Baseball Splits With Dixie State
Waipahu, HI (4/9/09) – At Hans L’Orange Field, the HPU baseball team split a doubleheader with Dixie State College. HPU won game one 5-4, but fell in the nightcap 1-0. The Sea Warriors are now 20-13, with Dixie State at 21-13.
Caelen O’Meara (5-1) earned the win in game one for HPU. He pitched six innings allowing four runs on six hits with six strikeouts. Kevin Matsumoto relieved O'Meara in the seventh inning to record the save.
Skyler Southwick received the loss for Dixie State, pitching six innings allowing five runs on nine hits with four strikeouts.
Cheynne Hirota and Kenny Turner led HPU from the plate. Hirota hit 2-3 with two runs, and Turner batted 2-2 with one run and one RBI.
The nightcap featured a quality pitchers dual. Starter Chad Wagner (3-5) received the loss for HPU, pitching six innings allowing one run on six hits with four strikeouts. Tyson Bailey earned the win for DSC allowing no runs on four hits with six strikeouts.
The Sea Warriors and Red Storm continue their five-game series tomorrow, April 10. First pitch of the doubleheader is set at 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Field.
HPU Baseball Drop Two, Suffer Series Sweep Chico, CA (3/28/09) – On the final day of their five-game series, HPU dropped two games to Chico State. CSU won game one 7-6 in extra innings, and soundly defeated HPU in game two 16-0.
HPU fall to 19-12 while Chico State improve to 20-13.
HPU tasted defeat in nine innings in game one. An RBI single by Jimmy Dodos (2-5, 1 R, 1 RBI) drove in Bret Ringer (2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI) for the game winner.
Kevin Matsumoto earned the loss in relief of Caelen O’Meara, allowing the game winner in the ninth. Ian Waldron picked up the win for the Wildcats.
Chico State tied the game at 5-5 with three fourth inning runs. Jonah Hobson (1-4) would give HPU a short-lived lead in the eighth inning, as he belted his first homerun of the season. CSU then tied the game with a run in the bottom of the inning.
Jacob Valentine hit 2-5 with one run, Blake Amaral batted 2-4 with one run, and Kenny Turner hit 2-4.
HPU suffered their worst loss of the season in game two. Danny Cox (5-1) dropped his first decision of the season, pitching just 3.1 innings allowing four earned runs on seven hits. Andrew Pluta earned the win for Chico State, pitching five complete innings allowing no runs on five hits.
Already leading 12-0 in the sixth inning, Chico State’s Robert Mills crushed a grand slam over the the right field wall to cap the scoring.
Jonah Hobson batted 2-3 for HPU.
HPU don’t return to action until Thursday, April 9 when they take on Dixie State College. First pitch of the series opening doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Park.
Tough Outing For Sea Warrior Baseball
Chico, CA (3/27/09) – The Sea Warriors suffered just their second sweep of the season, as they dropped two today to Chico State. HPU fell 11-1 in game one and dropped the nightcap 8-2. HPU fall to 19-10 and the Wildcats improve to 18-13.
Starters Chad Wagner (game one) and Turhan Folse (game two) were the pitchers of record for HPU. Joel Garcia and Jordan Lindebaum earned the wins for Chico State.
In game one, the Wildcats used a six-run sixth inning to seal the win. Sean Winston batted 2-4 to lead HPU, and Garcia pitched a complete game allowing one run on four hits. Wagner pitched into the sixth inning allowing eight runs on seven hits.
Kyle Eveland and Kevin Seaver led the Wildcats. Eveland batted 2-2 with one run and three RBI, and Seaver hit 2-3 with two runs and two RBI.
Game two saw Chico State score three first-inning runs to grab a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
A handful of Sea Warriors collected a hit led by Jonah Hobson who batted 1-3 with one run and one RBI. Kenny Turner batted 2-3, Blake Amaral hit 1-3 with one RBI, and Jacob Valentine was 1-4 with one run.
Folse pitched five innings, allowing six runs on seven hits with five strikeouts.
HPU will look to avoid a series sweep as the two teams engage in another doubleheader tomorrow, March 28. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Maggiolo Earns First Start, Sea Warriors Fall
Chico, CA (3/26/09) – In the series opener with the Wildcats, the HPU baseball team fell to Chico State 5-3. Matt Maggiolo (0-1) started his first game on the mound for HPU, but dropped the decision.
HPU fell to 19-8 while CSU improved to 16-13.
Maggiolo performed well, pitching six complete innings allowing four runs on six hits with two strikeouts. Starter Pete Mickartz earned the win for the Wildcats. He pitched a complete game allowing three runs on six hits with seven strikeouts.
Lester Akeo led HPU at the plate, batting 2-3 with two runs and one RBI. Cheynne Hirota hit 1-3 with one run scored.
Adam Arakawa led CSU batting 2-3 with two RBI.
HPU and CSU were tied at 1-1 heading into the sixth inning, but a two-run double by Arakawa gave the Wildcats a comfortable 4-1 lead. HPU showed signs in the eighth inning when doubles by Hirota and Kenny Turner (1-2) led to two runs, but that would be it as CSU held on.
HPU and CSU continue their series tomorrow, March 27, with a doubleheader. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Sea Warriors Garner First Road Win
St. George, UT (2/24/09) – At Bruce Hurst Field, the HPU baseball team split a conference doubleheader with Dixie State College. HPU were edged 11-10 in the opener but responsed with a 7-3 win in the night cap. The victory was HPU’s first road win of the season.
HPU moves to 7-5 in the PacWest and 19-7 overall. Dixie State is now 5-3 in conference, and 15-9 overall.
The opener featured runs-a-plenty, and Aaron Asher (1-2, 2 R, 1 RBI) belting his sixth homerun of the season. Nine runs in the fourth and fifth innings combined did in the Sea Warriors in a game they led 10-7.
Derek Grace and Lester Akeo paced HPU. Grace batted 2-4 with one run and three RBI, and Akeo hit 2-3 with two runs. Nick Alexander (0-1) picked up his first loss of the season in a relief effort, and Nick Orgil earned the win for the Red Storm.
In the nightcap, Daniel Cox continued his sensational form to improve to 5-0 and give HPU the series closing win. He pitched five strong innings, allowing one earned run on six hits with four strikeouts. B.A. Garner picked up his sixth save of the season.
Jonah Hobson (3-3, 1 RBI) and Alex Agortsas (2-4, 1 RBI) led HPU at the plate. Brett Adams batted 2-4 with two runs and one RBI for Dixie State.
Already leading 3-2, HPU broke the game wide open with four sixth inning runs for a 7-2 lead.
The Sea Warriors now travel to Chico State to take on the Wildcats in a five-game set. First pitch of the series is set for 6:00 p.m. this Thursday, March 26.
Sea Warriors Double Up On Grand Canyon
Waipahu, HI (3/13/09) – At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team swept a PacWest doubleheader from Grand Canyon University. HPU took a wild game one 12-9, and dominated in the nightcap with a 14-4 victory.
HPU improve to 18-4 while the Antelopes fall to 9-14.
Jacob Valentine played like a man possessed. For the night, he batted 7-9 with six runs and seven RBI.
Game one saw HPU score five runs in both the fourth and fifth innings, and collect 17 hits on their 12 runs, as they edged the Antelopes in a wild game.
Grand Canyon scored four first-inning runs off HPU starter Turhan Folse, but HPU responded with their five fourth inning runs to take a 6-5 lead. The following inning, after giving up four runs and losing the lead, HPU regained the advantage for good.
Jonah Hobson led HPU batting 3-5 with two runs and three RBI. Joey Bristyan (3-3, 1 R, 1 RBI) and Byron Reischl (2-4, 1 R, 2 RBI) paced GCU.
David Chow (2-0) earned the win for HPU with Colin Courtland receiving the loss for Grand Canyon.
The nightcap saw Danny Cox shutdown the Antelope lineup as HPU built a comfortable lead. Cox has been stellar this season, bolstering his record to 4-0 with a 1.86 ERA.
Outside of Valentine’s monster performance, Sean Winston, Blake Amaral, Alex Agortsas, and Cheynne Hirota all collected a pair of base hits.
Matt Fox batted 2-3 with one run and one RBI for GCU, including his second homerun of the doubleheader.
Kevin Burbank earned the loss for GCU pitching just over three innings allowing seven runs on nine hits with four strikeouts.
HPU Baseball Split in PacWest Opener
Waipahu, HI (3/12/09) – At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team opened their PacWest season with a doubleheader split against Grand Canyon. HPU fell in game one 6-2, but took the nightcap 6-3.
The doubleheader was broadcast on OC-16 in front of a statewide television audience.
HPU improved to 16-4 on the season, and GCU moved to 9-12. The doubleheader was the first two games of the five-game series.
Chad Wagner (3-2) took the hill for HPU in game one and lasted just one and one-third innings. The Antelope lineup up tagged him to the tune of five earned runs on six hits before being lifted for Toby Inouye.
Inouye put a halt to the Antelope hitting spree, pitching 3.2 innings allowing no runs on two hits with five strikeouts.
But the damage had been done as GCU plated all their runs in the first two innings. Byron Reischl was the only Antelope to not reach base, and Taylor McGregor batted 2-4 with one run.
Blake Amaral was the high man for HPU, batting 2-3 with one run scored.
Freshman Casey Collins earned the win for GCU, pitching a complete game allowing two runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.
HPU earned a much needed win in game two. After giving up two first inning runs, HPU poured in four second inning runs on RBI hits by Derek Grace and Kenny Turner. Grace delivered a 3-3, one run, two RBI performance, and Turner batted 2-3 with one run and one RBI.
Caelen O’Meara settled in after a shaky start. He pitched six complete innings allowing three runs on five hits with eight strikeouts. O’Meara has a conference-leading 40 strikeouts this season.
Starter Damion Swisher lasted just one inning for GCU, having to be spelled because of an arm injury. He was the pitcher of record though, allowing two earned runs on two hits.
Austin Stockfisch and Jason Love each collected two hits for GCU.
Both teams meet up for games two and three of the series tomorrow, Friday, at Hans L’Orange Park. Start time will be at 4:00 p.m. with the doubleheader again broadcast live on OC-16.
Sea Warriors Split With Concordia-Chicago
Waipahu, HI (3/4/09) – In the series opener the HPU baseball team split a doubleheader with Concordia University-Chicago. HPU were routed in game one 9-3, but responded in convincing fashion for a 12-0 game two victory. HPU and Concordia improve to 13-3 and 3-4, respectively.
The top of the Cougar lineup did the damage in game one. The top four hitters in the lineup accounted for seven runs on nine hits. Jake Walker hit 3-4 with two runs and three RBI off HPU starter Chad Wagner to lead Concordia.
Sean Winston and Alex Agortsas each batted 2-3 for the Sea Warriors, with Winston adding two RBI.
Wagner, in dropping his second decision of the season, pitched six complete innings allowing eight earned runs on 11 hits with five strikeouts.
Matt Kudlick earned the win for Concordia pitching six innings allowing one run on six hits.
The nightcap saw HPU break the game wide open with a five-run third inning.
Already leading 2-0, Derek Grace (1-2, 2 R, 2 RBI) highlighted the inning with a two-RBI double in the left centerfield gap.
HPU starter Caelen O’Meara (3-0) was a thorn in the Cougars’ side. He pitched a complete-game shutout, allowing just two hits and recording a sensational 12 strikeouts.
Winston had another stellar game at the plate. Both he and Kenny Turner batted 2-3 with two runs scored and two RBI.
Marcus Boozell and Mark Thomas collected the two hits for Concordia.
Starter A.J. Anderson was tagged with the loss. He allowed five earned runs on seven hits before being relieved by Brian Schwarz in the third inning. B
oth teams retake the field tomorrow, March 5 for games three and four of the four-game series. First pitch at Hans L’Orange Park is set for 4:00 p.m.
HPU Baseball Split Doubleheader With Vuclans
Hilo, HI (3/1/09) – At Francis Wong Stadium, HPU and UH-Hilo closed their six-game series with a doubleheader split. The Sea Warriors fell in game one 11-5, but responded with an 8-0 win in the nightcap.
UH-Hilo improved to 6-7 overall and 2-4 in the PacWest, and HPU move to 12-2 and 4-2 in conference.
Game one saw the Vulcans score in all but the second inning. Matt Hassenritter batted a perfect 4-4 with two runs scored and one RBI. Jonah Hobson led HPU batting 2-3 with one run and one RBI.
Micah Takahashi (0-1) earned his first loss of the season for HPU. He pitched three innings allowing six runs on five hits. UHH starter Tyler Simao (2-0) pitched 4.2 innings for the win allowing five runs on six hits.
The Sea Warriors responded with a shutout in game two to take the series. Toby Inouye pitched a complete game, allowing no runs on six hits with two strikeouts. Starter Clayton Uyechi was tagged with the loss for UH-Hilo. He pitched four innings allowing one run on three hits with three strikeouts.
HPU broke the game wide open with seven runs in the fifth inning, as the Vulcan pitching came unglued. UHH sent three pitchers to the mound in the inning. They combined for five walks, a passed ball, and a hit batsman to the tune of seven runs.
Alex Agortsas (1-3, 2 RBI) capped the inning with a two-RBI single. Jonah Hobson and Blake Amaral each batted 2-3, and Jacob Valentine hit 1-2 with two runs scored.
Following a successful trip to the Big Island, HPU now return home for a short four-game series with Concordia University-Chicago. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4 at Hans L’Orange Park.
HPU Baseball Bolt To Best Start In Program History
Hilo, HI (2/28/09) – After collecting two wins today against UH-Hilo, the Sea Warriors improved to an impressive 11-1 start. HPU took game one 7-5, then earned the win in the nightcap, 2-1.
The 11 wins in their first 12 games is the best start in the 26-year history of the program.
Jacob Valentine led HPU at the plate in game one, batting 3-5 with one run and one RBI. Aaron Asher hit 2-3 with one run and one RBI, including a lead-off homerun in HPU’s three-run 5th inning.
Turhan Folse (2-0) earned his second win of the season but not without staving off a tremendous UH-Hilo 7th inning comeback.
After pinchhitter Cade Uyetake (1-1) delivered a two-RBI base hit to cut the HPU lead to 7-2, Keoni Manago (2-3, 1 R, 3 RBI) hit a three-run homer. Nick Alexander then relieved Folse and preserved the win. Folse pitched 6.2 innings allowing five runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.
Brain Shannon (1-1) earned the loss for the Vulcans, pitching 4.1 innings allowing four earned runs on 12 hits with two strikeouts.
Game two proved to be a pitchers dual, as Danny Cox (2-0) got the best of Vulcan starter Phil Hackney. Thomas Brown (UHH) led all hitters batting 2-3 with one RBI.
The Vulcans struck first as Brown’s RBI gave UHH their lone run, and a 1-0 lead through four innings.
After not mustering much from the plate through five innings, the Sea Warriors finally broke through in the sixth off of Vulcan reliever Christian Stephenson. RBIs by Bas Nooij (0-2, 1 RBI) and Cheynne Hirota (1-3, 1 RBI) plated two runs to give HPU a 2-1 lead and the eventual win.
Cox pitched a complete game, allowing one run on four hits with three strikeouts. Hackney pitched five strong innings but did not factor in the decision. He allowed no runs on three hits. Stephenson (1-2) allowed two runs on two hits in two innings of work for the loss.
HPU and UH-Hilo conclude their series with a doubleheader tomorrow, March 1, at Wong Stadium. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m.
Sea Warrior Baseball Split Doubleheader with UH-Hilo
Hilo, HI (2/27/09) – At Francis Wong Stadium, HPU and UH-Hilo began the first day of their weekend-long series. HPU topped the Vulcans 5-2 in the opener, with UH-Hilo handing HPU their first loss in a 4-3 game two win.
HPU (9-1) won game one on the heels of a solid outing by pitcher Chad Wagner (3-0). He allowed one earned run on six hits over seven complete innings.
Aaron Asher and Blake Amaral did the damage at the plate. Asher (3-4, 1 R, 1 RBI) and Amaral (2-3, 2 R, 1 RBI) collected their RBIs in HPU’s three-run third inning. The Sea Warriors led 5-0 at that point.
Peter Rogers led UH-Hilo (5-4) at the plate with a 2-3 performance.
Jesse Moon (0-1) earned the loss for UHH, allowing five runs on eight hits in five innings.
In the nightcap, HPU again jumped all over UH-Hilo. Jacob Valentine (1-3, 1 R, 2 RBI) delivered a 2-RBI double in the second inning to give the Sea Warriors a 3-0 lead.
UH-Hilo did not fold though. After countering HPU with two runs in the bottom of the second inning, a Keoni Manago (1-3, 1 R) double led to a game-tying third run in the fifth inning.
B.A. Garner (0-1), in a relief performance, turned back UHH in order in the sixth but gave up the game-winning RBI to Rogers in the seventh.
Starter Caelen O’Meara, who did not factor in the decision, allowed one earned run on five hits in five innings. Vulcan starter Kekoa Lee (1-1) went the distance for the win, allowing two earned runs on three hits.
HPU and UH-Hilo face of in another doubleheader tomorrow, February 28. First pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. at Wong Stadium.
Sea Warriors Sweep Academy Art, Improve To 8-0
Waipahu, HI (2/22/09) – At Hans L'Orange Park, the HPU baseball team topped Academy of Art 8-3. With the win, the Sea Warriors record their second series sweep of the season and remain undefeated.
Danny Cox (2-0) recorded the win for HPU. He pitched six innings allowing no runs on four hits with seven strikeouts.
Alex Rosenthal was tagged with the loss for AAU allowing seven earned runs on 12 hits in five and two-thirds innings.
Jonah Hobson was stellar at the plate for HPU. He hit 2-4 with two runs and three RBI. Hobson capped his great afternoon with a diving catch in right field in the ninth inning.
Darnell Quinny led Academy of Art in the losing effort, batting 3-4 with one run scored.
Aaron Asher was key in the Sea Warrior win as well. He batted 3-5 with one run and two RBI including a two-run homerun in the sixth inning. The round-tripper was his second of the season.
The Sea Warriors plated runs in each of the first four innings to lead 5-0. They broke the game wide with a three-run sixth inning capped by Asher's homerun.
HPU travel to Hilo this weekend for a six-game set with UH-Hilo. First pitch of the series-opening doubleheader is set for Friday, February 27 at 3:00 p.m.
Sea Warrior Baseball Sweep Doubleheader and Series
Waipahu, HI (2/3/09) – At Hans L'Orange Park, the Sea Warrior baseball team topped Biola University 7-6 and 6-4 to complete a four-game sweep of the Eagles. HPU now run to a perfect 4-0.
HPU opened with a series sweep for the second straight season. Last season they took six games from CSU-Dominguez Hills.
Game one saw an exciting finish as the Sea Warriors edged Biola in their final at bat. Lester Akeo belted a game winning double, knocking home Cheynne Hirota (2-4, 2 R) all the way from first base.
Akeo delivered his second solid outing of the short season with a 2-4 performance including two RBI and one run.
HPU trailed on three different occasions in the first three innings. After the Sea Warriors tied the game at 6-6 with two runs in the bottom of the third inning, the game remained scoreless until Hirota's game winning run.
Micah Takahashi pitched three plus innings of solid relief for starter Kevin Matsumoto, allowing no runs and two strikeouts. Gil Banwart batted 3-4 with two RBI and one run for Biola. David Chow (1-0) earned the win for HPU and Stephen Alexander was the pitcher of record for Biola.
The nightcap saw HPU pull out another solid win. After Biola took a 3-0 lead after their half of the third inning, HPU scored runs in each of the final four innings to grab the win.
Three runs in the sixth inning gave HPU their first lead, and set the stage for B.A. Garner's second save of the season.
Jacob Valentine (HPU) and Nick Rotkowitz (Biola) each batted 4-4 with two runs scored. Toby Inouye (1-0) earned the win for HPU and Justin Rodriguez was the pitcher of record for Biola.
The Sea Warriors will have two weeks off before they retake the field. HPU open up a four-game series against Academy of Art University on Friday, February 20. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. at Hans L'Orange Field.
Mead To Play Hawai‘i Winter Baseball
9/26/08 (Honolulu, HI) – HPU’s Kaimi Mead (Honolulu, HI) has been selected to play for Hawai‘i Winter Baseball. The announcement was made by the HWB front office. Mead will be suiting up for the North Shore Hono.
Mead, a homegrown product from Roosevelt High School and 2008 HPU graduate, finished his collegiate career as the Pacific West Conference's Player and Pitcher of the Year. The Cleveland Indians selected him in the 18th round of the Major League Baseball draft, and he went on to pitch for Cleveland's short-season (A) affiliate, the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Mead notched a 5-8 record with a 5.52 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 62 innings.
Mead joins the Hono as a "taxi squad" player, meaning he will dress and be available for every game at the discretion of the managers.
The league's eighth season is already under way and runs through Sunday, Nov. 16 and includes 23 games at Les Murakami Stadium and 58 contests at Hans L'Orange Park.
HPU Baseball To Hold Walk-on Tryouts
The HPU baseball team will be holding walk-on tryouts for the upcoming 2009 season, announced by Head Coach Garett Yukumoto. A mandatory meeting for all students interested will be held at Keehi Lagoon, Wednesday September 3 at 4:30 pm. A copy of a current physical (needs to be evaluated six months prior to September), and a copy of your insurance card is required.
Keehi Lagoon is located off of Lagoon Drive near the airport. From the downtown HPU campus, head west on H-1 and take exit 18 to merge onto HI-92 W/N Nimitz Hwy. Take a left on Lagoon Drive and head through the park to arrive at the field.
From the windward campus, turn right on Kamehameha Hwy out of the school. Turn left on to Likelike Hwy. Merge on to H-1 heading west. Please direct any questions to Coach Yukumoto at 808.356.5214.
Mead Settling In For Mahoning Valley
Mahoning Valley, OH (7/31/08) – From the friendly confines of Honolulu to Eastern Ohio is no easy transition, but ex-HPU pitcher Kaimi Mead is doing just that. After being drafted by the Indians organization, he has settled in on the mound for the Class A affiliate Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
At 4-4, Mead leads the Scrappers in decisions as well as innings pitched (35.2). He is also holding opposing batters to .275. He has currently won two consecutive decisions, including his most recent outing where he pitched five innings, allowing two runs on four hits with three strikeouts.
Mead’s road to pro ball was not a smooth one. He worked hard to improve his game while pitching for the Sea Warriors. His early career culminated with a 7-1 record his senior season, including a no-hitter and a near win against Division I New Mexico State. Mead’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as he was selected as the 2008 PacWest Player of the Year.
Mahoning Valley is in the midst of a three-game set in Virginia with the Jamestown Jammers.
Mead Making Mark In Pro Ranks
Auburn, NY (6/25/08) – Former HPU pitcher Kaimi Mead is off to a strong start with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the Cleveland Indians Class A affiliate. In two starts, Mead is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA. In seven complete innings on the season, he has allowed three runs on nine hits with six strikeouts.
One week into the season, Mead saw his first action yesterday, June 24th pitching in both games of the Scrappers’ doubleheader with the Auburn Doubledays. Mead opened the day in less than convincing fashion, as he pitched just two innings allowing three runs on four hits in the Scrappers’ 6-1 loss. In the nightcap, donning the #40 that made him famous for the Sea Warriors, he pitched five dominating innings allowing no runs on five hits with three strikeouts and no walks. The Scrappers won the game 5-2.
Mahoning Valley, located in Niles, Ohio, is a member of the New York-Penn League of Minor League Baseball, a short-season Class A league. The team has been affiliated with the Cleveland Indians since the inaugural season of 1999.
Mead earned PacWest Player and Pitcher of the Year honors this past season for HPU, and was also selected to the Daktronics West Region First-Team. Mead was the 11th pitcher taken by the Indians in the 2008 draft, and first HPU player drafted since 2001.
Mead is one of four pitchers on the 16-man pitching staff to have recorded a win. Mahoning Valley (4-4) close their series today with the Doubledays with the first pitch set at 7:00 P.M. EST.
Kaimi Mead Drafted By the Tribe
Honolulu, HI (6/5/2008) – HPU pitcher Kaimi Mead was selected in the 18th round of the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft. The Cleveland Indians took the southpaw hurler as the 561st overall pick on Day 2 of the Draft. Mead was the 11th pitcher taken by the Indians, and first HPU player drafted since 2001.
A confident and determined Mead commented on the happy news. “My goal is to move up in the (Indians) organization as fast as possible. Right now I’m working on maintaining my fitness level.”
The Roosevelt High School graduate took his game to new heights this season. He was selected as the PacWest Conference’s Player of the Year, and earned a spot on the Daktronics All-West Region First Team. He finished the season 7-1 with a 2.25 ERA, including a no-hitter performance against Northwest Nazarene.
“I felt confident I was going to get drafted,” said Mead. “I just didn’t know when it would be and by which team. I’m looking forward to the challenge. I was told I would be contacted in the next week to find out the next step for me.”
Mead will also go down in the history books, notching a win over UH-Hilo in the first-ever statewide television broadcast (OC-16) of Hawai'i Division II intercollegiate baseball.
Mead joins some elite Sea Warrior company. He is only the 10th player drafted in HPU history, and first pitcher since 1992.
Kaimi Mead Reaches New Heights
Queen Creek, AZ (5/21/08) – The Pacific West Conference released the inaugural PacWest Baseball All-Conference Team. Six Sea Warriors were named to the First Team, with two more receiving Second Team honors. Senior Kaimi Mead (Honolulu, Hawai'i) was named as the PacWest Player of the Year, and was also selected as the Pitcher of the Year.
Already named to the Daktronics All-Region First Team, Mead (7-1) was impressive in his final season in an HPU uniform. The Roosevelt High School graduate was the ace of a much improved HPU pitching staff. In 11 starts, he pitched two complete games including a no-hitter over Northwest Nazarene.
Mead will also go down in the history books, notching a win over UH-Hilo in the first-ever statewide television broadcast (OC-16) of Hawai'i Division II intercollegiate baseball.
Seniors Danny Lee (Kahalu'u, Hawai'i) and Paul Nishimura (Kahalu'u, Hawai'i) also received First Team selections. Lee broke several team records this season. He captured the single season hit mark (70) and career hits (218), and became the all-time leader in games played with 177. Nishimura finished third in the PacWest in batting with a .379 average.
Closer B.A. Garner and designated hitter Aaron Asher rounded out the First Team selections. Garner (Federal Way, Washington) notched 9 saves, a new HPU record and tops in the Conference. Asher (Aiea, Hawai'i) held a share of the Conference homerun crown, belting 10 round trippers which was one shy of equaling the HPU single season mark.
Second Team honors went to senior Michael Kealoha (Waimanalo, Hawai'i) and junior Jacob Valentine (Vancouver, Washington).
The Sea Warriors finished the season 31-20-1, the most wins in the history of the program.
The selections were voted on and made by the Conference coaches, with voting for Coach of the Year to follow later this week.
Sea Warriors Swept In Season Finale
Hilo, HI (5/4/08) – At the UHH Baseball Stadium, HPU were swept by UH-Hilo in their season finale doubleheader. HPU fell 10-7 in game one, and 4-3 in the nightcap. HPU won just once in the five-game series and finish the season at 31-20-1, one win shy of equaling HPU’s all-time win mark for a season.
In game one, HPU saw a ninth inning comeback fall short. After both teams plated a run in the third inning, the game appeared to become a laugher for the Vulcans. Already leading 3-1, UHH dropped seven runs in the fifth inning to take a commanding 10-1 lead. Keoni Manago (1-3, 3 RBI) and Dayne Ogawa (2-4) each hit two-RBI singles as part of the big inning.
HPU responded two innings later to nearly complete the comeback. After Kevin Keogh was hit by Vulcan relief pitcher Jeff Jones, HPU trailed 10-7 with two outs and Cheynne Hirota (0-2) on second base, and Johnny Gentry (2-3) on third. Ivan Fujii (1-2), who had singled to start the inning, promptly flied out for the final out.
Daniel Cox (2-3) pitched 4.1 innings in the loss, allowing four earned runs on six hits with four strikeouts. Jeffrey Germain (2-1) earned the win, pitching 4.2 innings with one run on five hits.
Game two began with some history being made. Danny Lee, already holding the HPU single season hit mark (70) and career hits (218), became the all-time leader in games played with 177 when he stepped to the plate in the first inning.
UH-Hilo appeared set to build another insurmountable lead, plating two runs each in the second and third innings. After the third inning, Turhan Folse stepped in for HPU starter Micah Takahashi, who pitched three innings allowing two earned runs on four hits.
The HPU bats would finally wake up. The Sea Warriors plated two runs in the fourth inning, and another run one inning later to cut the lead to 4-3. RBI by Spencer Omalza (1-4) and Lee (0-3) helped cut the Vulcan lead to just one run.
That was as close as HPU would get, as they mustered just one base runner in the final two innings. Takahashi earned the loss to finish the season at 3-2, with Tyler Safford (3-3) picking up the win in three innings of work, allowing two runs on two hits with two strikeouts.
Sea Warriors Split With Vulcans
Hilo, HI (5/3/08) – At the UHH baseball stadium, the HPU baseball team split a doubleheader with UH-Hilo in the second day of their five-game series. The Vulcans (15-27) took game one 3-2, with the Sea Warriors (31-18-1) earning the split with a 5-4 victory in the nightcap.
Toby Inouye (5.2 inn, 7 K) took the mound for HPU in game one, falling to UHH starter Kekoa Lee (2-4) to drop to 3-2 on the season. Lee cruised through the early stages of the game, allowing just one HPU hit through five innings. The Vulcans built a 2-0 lead during that stretch on RBI-singles by Thomas Brown (2-3, 2 RBI) and Dayne Ogawa (1-3) in the second and fifth innings, respectively.
The game entered the seventh and final inning with HPU trailing 2-0. Michael Kealoha (2-3) hit a two-out RBI double to cut the lead to one run, then advanced to third base on a wild pitch by Vulcan reliever Christian Stephenson. Kealoha would not be able to plate the tying run, as Aaron Asher (0-3) grounded out to Stephenson to end the game.
Game two saw UH-Hilo take a 2-0 lead after one inning. Michael Higa (2-3) delivered an RBI triple and later advanced home on an RBI ground out by A.J. Satele (1-4). HPU responded two innings later. An RBI double by Nicko Garibay (1-3) and an RBI single by Jacob Valentine (2-4) even the game at 2-2.
HPU scored one run in the sixth and seventh innings to take a 4-2 lead, only to see UH-Hilo plate two runs in the bottom of the seventh to send the game into extra innings. A sacrifice fly by Brown (1-2) allowed Colin Zimmerman to tag up from third and score the tying run.
HPU regained the lead in the eighth inning, as a wild pitch by newly inserted Vulcan pitcher Jesse Moon (1-4) allowed Spencer Omalza (1-3) to race home for a 5-4 lead and the eventual game winning run. UH-Hilo threatened in the bottom of the eighth inning, but Ogawa (1-5) hit into a double play to end the game.
HPU play their season finale doubleheader tomorrow, as they finish the series with UH-Hilo. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 11:00 a.m. at the UHH baseball stadium.
Sea Warriors Drop Series Opener
Hilo, HI (5/2/08) – In game one of what will prove to be a critical series for HPU, the Sea Warriors fell to UH-Hilo, 6-3. With the loss, HPU fall to 30-17-1, while the Vulcans improve to 14-27. Kaimi Mead dropped his first decision of the season for HPU, falling to 7-1.
UH-Hilo will be joining the Division II ranks next season, but for now it was a battle of David versus Goliath in the pecking order of collegiate baseball. The Vulcans jumped on the scoresheet first, as Keoni Manago (1-3) delivered a two-RBI single to give UHH a 2-0 lead after three innings.
The Sea Warriors responded one inning later to take the lead. RBI base hits by Johnny Gentry (1-4) and Paul Nishimura (3-4, 2 RBI) gave HPU a 3-2 lead after four innings. The lead held up until the seventh inning, when a pair of unearned Vulcan runs gave UH-Hilo a 4-3 advantage.
UHH added to that lead one inning later. Thomas Brown smacked a bases loaded single to right field, driving in two runs for a 6-3 lead. Brown was the player of the game, batting three for four with two runs and two RBI. Nishimura led off the ninth inning with a double, but HPU were unable to capitalize as Cheynne Hirota (0-1) struck out looking to end the game.
Mead pitched seven strong innings before being spelled by David Chow. He allowed two earned runs on seven hits with six strikeouts in the loss. Vulcan starter Joe Davis went the distance, allowing one earned run on seven hits with nine strikouts.
The series continues tomorrow with games two and three. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 11:00 a.m.
Sea Warriors Finish With a Bang
Phoenix, AZ (4/26/08) – In their final mainland trip of the season the HPU baseball team swept a doubleheader today from Grand Canyon, and took five of six series games. HPU won by their largest margin of the season, winning game one 18-4, then took the nightcap 6-5. HPU improve to 30-16-1 while GCU fall to 11-36.
HPU grabbed a hold of game one from the get-go. Aaron Asher and Paul Nishimura (1-2, 2 RBI) both homered in the first inning to help HPU to a 7-0 lead before the Antelope’s first at bat. In the third inning, HPU blew the game wide open as they plated six runs to give themselves a 13-0 lead after three innings. Four extra base hits and another homerun by Asher helped bolster the HPU lead.
Four Sea Warriors recorded three or more hits. Jacob Valentine batted 4-5 with three runs and one RBI. Michael Kealoha was perfect on the game, hitting 4-4 with four runs scored and one RBI. Asher batted 3-6 with three runs scored and a team season high six RBI. Johnny Gentry kept his bat alive in hitting 3-3 with one run and one RBI. Brian Evans led the Antelopes, batting 2-3 with two runs scored.
Starter Kevin Matsumoto (5-1) earned the win for HPU, pitching five innings allowing no runs on three hits with two strikeouts. Starter Taylor Hill received the loss for GCU, allowing six runs on five hits before being spelled in the first inning.
Game two saw a much tighter battle. A Danny Lee (1-3) sacrifice fly and a Spencer Omalza (1-4) RBI-single gave HPU a 2-0 lead after one inning. The Sea Warriors tacked on two more runs in the fourth inning, highlighted by a Gentry lead-off homerun, his third of the series.
The Antelopes finally got their bats going, and did so in a big way. A pair of doubles by Matt Fox (1-2) and Byron Reischl (1-3) paved the way for a five-run inning, as GCU took a 5-4 lead into the fifth inning.
HPU regrouped and tied the game in the sixth inning. Kevin Keogh (2-3, 2 R) led off the inning with a triple, and was driven home by a Nishimura (2-4) RBI-single. The Sea Warriors then garnered the game winning run in the seventh inning. After GCU intentionally walked two consecutive batters to load the bases, Andrew Sramek (0-3, 1 RBI) hit a pitch deep enough to allow Asher (1-2) to tag up and score from third.
After allowing just one hit through the first three innings, HPU starter Micah Takahashi was forced to hand the ball off to David Chow after getting into trouble in the fourth inning. Chow (1-1) picked up the win in a relief effort in working two perfect innings. Thomas Catomer (3-8) received the loss for GCU.
HPU now return home but travel to Hilo, Hawai‘i for their final series of the season. First pitch of the six game series with UH-Hilo is set for Friday, May 2, at 3:00 p.m.
Sea Warriors Split Doubleheader With ‘Lopes
Phoenix, AZ (4/25/08) – At Grand Canyon University, the HPU baseball team split a pair of games with the Antelopes. The Sea Warriors fell 9-8 in game one, but salvaged the split with an 8-6 win in the nightcap.
HPU (28-16-1) held a lead in game one but saw six fifth inning runs by Grand Canyon do them in. GCU (11-34) dropped two first inning runs aided by an RBI triple by Brian Evans (1-3, 2 R).
Johnny Gentry (1-3, 2 RBI) answered in the second inning for the Sea Warriors, homering for the second time this series. Cheynne Hirota (2-2, 3 RBI) delivered a two-RBI single one inning later and HPU held a 5-3 lead heading to the bottom of the fifth inning.
GCU then exploded for six runs to put the game away. The scoring started with a Matt Fox (2-3) two-RBI single, and was capped by Tate Ford (1-3) stealing home. HPU responded with three sixth inning runs, but could not come all the way back. Toby Inouye (3-2) received the loss for HPU, with Chris Shelly (2-2) recording the win for GCU.
The nightcap saw an offensive explosion through the first two innings. Both teams plated a total of 10 runs, as HPU grabbed an early 6-4 lead. Gentry (2-4) continued his hot streak with a three-RBI triple in the first inning, and a two-RBI base hit just one inning later.
GCU tied the game in the fifth inning, as Tyler Stafford (1-3) laced a ball into right field to drive in Byron Reischl (1-2) and Tyler Blair (1-3) to even the score at 6-6. In the top of the seventh inning, an error by left fielder Len Shimabuku (0-1) allowed both Andrew Sramek (2-4) and Kevin Keogh (2-4) to score the deciding runs for the Sea Warriors.
Danny Lee was stellar for HPU, batting a perfect 4-4 with two runs and one RBI. Brian Evans paced the Antelopes in hitting 2-3 with two RBI. Neither starter lasted more than two innings, with relievers Spencer Omalza (3-2) receiving the win for HPU and Raul Rojas (1-2) the loss for GCU.
Both teams play the series finale tomorrow, April 26. First pitch of the single game is set for 12:00 p.m.
Sea Warriors Trample Antelopes
Phoenix, AZ (4/24/08) – In a crucial road series for HPU, ace Kaimi Mead (7-0) delivered a trademark performance as the Sea Warriors topped Grand Canyon 9-3 in the series opener. HPU improve to 27-15-1 and keep their hope for postseason play alive. GCU fall to 10-33.
Mead controlled the game and the Antelope lineup. The southpaw pitched seven complete innings, allowing one run on four hits with two strikeouts. After GCU plated a run in the first inning, HPU responded with two runs in the third inning take a 2-1 lead. Spencer Omalza (1-5) delivered a two-out two-RBI single to give HPU the lead.
Johnny Gentry (3-4, 2 R) added to the Sea Warrior lead in the sixth inning with his first homerun of the season. Gentry posted three hits for the second time this season, the last time also against Grand Canyon. An RBI double by Danny Lee (3-5, 3 RBI) one inning later gave HPU a comfortable 4-1 lead after six innings.
HPU tore the game wide open in the top of the seventh inning, plating five runs for a 9-1 lead. A two-RBI single by Jacob Valentine (2-4, 2 R), and a two-RBI double by Lee helped put the game away.
Tate Ford led the Antelopes batting 2-4. Starter Thomas Catomer (3-7) was tagged with the loss. Catomer pitched into the eighth inning, allowing seven runs on 10 hits with nine strikeouts.
HPU and GCU face off tomorrow, April 25, in the only doubleheader of the series. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. PST.
Makana Kitamura earns First PacWest Honor
Queen Creek, AZ (4/16/08) – Makana Kitamura was selected as the PacWest Player of the Week, as announced today by the conference office. The sophomore outfielder from Kaneohe, HI earns his first ever PacWest recognition.
Kitamura has been clutch at the plate this season for the Sea Warriors. Last week versus New Mexico State, he drove in two ninth inning runs to help send the game into extra innings where HPU eventually fell to the Aggies. In the game, he batted 2-5 with the two RBI.
Just three days earlier versus UH-Hilo, Kitamura ripped a two-RBI double in the bottom of the seventh to send the game into extra innings. He batted 2-4 in that game, including the clutch two-RBI double.
For the season, Kitamura is batting .343 in 35 at-bats. He has two runs scored, two doubles, and 11 RBI.
Also selected to the PacWest Weekly Honor Roll were Aaron Asher (Aiea, HI), Johnny Gentry (Aiea, HI), Cheynne Hirota (Hilo, HI), Kaimi Mead (Honolulu, HI), and Andrew Sramek (Breckenridge, CO).
HPU next travel to Phoenix, AZ to take on Grand Canyon University in a five-game set. First pitch of game one is set for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday April 24.
Sea Warriors Topped By Aggies On Senior Night
Waipahu, HI (4/9/08) – At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team fell in a heartbreaker to the New Mexico State Aggies, 6-5 in 10 innings. HPU falls to 26-15-1 with New Mexico State improving to 15-17. After the game, 11 seniors were honored for their contributions to the HPU baseball program.
The early going featured a pitchers dual, as starters Kaimi Mead (6-0) and Caleb Hunsaker took their teams into the sixth inning deadlocked at 1-1. The sixth inning proved to be trouble for Mead. The Aggies broke the tie on an RBI fielders choice by Matt Lopez (1-4), and took the lead on a towering two-run homerun by Geoff Downing (1-5). NMSU lead 4-1 after six innings of play.
With HPU playing catch up, they headed to the bottom of the ninth inning trailing 5-2. The Sea Warriors have proven they are never out of a ball game, and treated their fans with three runs in the ninth to send the game into extra innings. With the bases loaded, the ever-clutch Makana Kitamura (2-5) drove a pitch through the right side of the infield to drive in Paul Nishimura (1-4) and Michael Kealoha (1-4). HPU came all the way back when Cheynne Hirota (1-2) singled through the left side of the infield to drive in Jacob Valentine (0-4) for the game-tying run.
The excitement would be short-lived, however, as NMSU plated a run in the top of the 10th inning that would prove to be the game winner. Ivan Fujii (1-1) and Kealoha both had two-out base hits, but a ground out to second base by Valentine ended the game.
Despite the loss, the HPU pitching staff struck out 15 Aggie batters. Mead posted nine strikeouts before being relieved by Toby Inouye in the sixth inning after three runs on three hits. Inouye calmed the storm, and at one point retired eight consecutive batters.
HPU next travel to Phoenix, Arizona to take on Grand Canyon University in their final mainland trip of the season. They will have two weeks off before they face the Antelopes on Thursday, April 24, at 7:00 p.m.
HPU Takes Weekend Series With Vulcans
Waipahu, HI (4/6/08) – At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team recorded a doubleheader split with UH-Hilo. HPU fell in extra innings in the first game, 6-4, but responded with a 14-2 dismantling of the Vulcans in the nightcap. HPU moves to 26-14-1 with UHH now holding a 14-17 record.
Game one was another thriller, now standard when the Sea Warriors and Vulcans face off. Turhan Folse earned the start, pitching a solid six complete innings allowing two runs on five hits. With the score knotted at 1-1, UH-Hilo plated two runs in the top of the seventh inning. Colin Zimmerman (0-0) and Thomas Brown (2-4, 2 R) both raced home to give the Vulcans the 3-1 lead.
The Sea Warriors responded in the bottom half of the inning. With runners at the corners, Makana Kitamura (2-4) ripped a two-RBI double down the right field line to tie the game at 3-3. UH-Hilo would not be outdone though, scoring three runs in the top of the eighth inning to do in HPU. Keoni Manago (2-4, 4 RBI) delivered a three-RBI double for the damage.
The nightcap saw HPU close the series in convincing fashion. With the previous four games all tight contests, the finale was a done deal in the early stages. After UHH scored twice in the first inning, HPU responded with eight runs over the next two innings to lead 8-2. HPU would plate two more runs in the fifth inning, and four more in the sixth to cap the scoring.
Danny Lee and Andrew Sramek led the way for HPU. Lee batted 3-4 and Sramek was impressive to say the least, hitting 3-4 with three runs and four RBI. He ignited the Sea Warriors in the second inning with a two-RBI triple to tie the game at 2-2, and HPU never looked back. Kevin Matsumoto (4-1) earned the victory for HPU, with Jesse Moon earning the loss for the Vulcans.
HPU next take on New Mexico State for a single game this Wednesday, April 9, at Hans L’Orange Field. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.
HPU Baseball and Softball Impressive In Victories
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (4/5/08) – Both the HPU softball and baseball teams were in action today. The Lady Sea Warriors earned two dominating wins in sweeping BYU-Hawai‘i, taking game one 11-3 and game two 11-2. The HPU baseball team split a doubleheader with UH-Hilo, winning game two 9-8 on their last at-bat.
The softball team earned their 30th victory this afternoon, improving to 30-5 overall and 15-1 in the PacWest. Game one saw a 3-3 tie before HPU unloaded with four fifth inning runs. RBI doubles by Nicole Kalakau (2-3, 2 RBI) and Jessica Adolph (2-3, 2 R, 3 RBI) did the damage for the Sea Warriors. HPU added four more runs in the seventh inning to win going away.
Krystal Plunkett batted 3-4 with two runs and two RBI to lead HPU. Leslie Fester led the Seasiders, batting 2-3 with a run and an RBI.
HPU won game two via the mercy rule, collecting 11 runs on 14 hits. With HPU leading 8-2, Anuhea Young set the stage for the mercy rule win in the fifth inning with a 3-RBI triple. Ciera Senas was also a key contributor, batting a perfect 4-4 with four RBI.
On the baseball diamond, HPU saw one comeback fall short, and another lead to victory. Trailing 1-0, HPU appeared to snag the victory from the Vulcans as they plated two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 2-1 lead. Cheynne Hirota (1-1) delivered another 2-RBI pinch hit. UHH tied the game in the top of the seventh inning, and won with two runs in the top of the 10th inning. Ronel Trias (1-3) and Keoni Manago (1-4) scored for UH-Hilo as they took game one 4-2.
The nightcap saw five lead changes, the last one coming in the seventh inning on a walk-off base hit by none other than Hirota. The Sea Warriors had plated two runs in the sixth inning to give themselves a chance to grab the win in their final inning. Aaron Asher batted 1-2 with two runs and two RBI, and Michael Kealoha batted 2-3 with one run scored.
The softball team return to action next Saturday, April 12, at Central Oahu Regional Park, as the face off twice against Chaminade University. Game times are set for 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. with the later televised live on OC-16. The baseball team close their series tomorrow with UH-Hilo. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 12:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Park.
Softball and Baseball Return to Winning Ways
Honolulu, HI (4/4/08) – The Sea Warrior baseball and softball teams returned from difficult road trips to capture victories on home soil. The softball team swept a doubleheader over BYU-Hawai‘i, 4-3 and 8-0, and the baseball team outdueled UH-Hilo, 4-3.
In toppling BYUH (8-27), the Lady Sea Warriors improved to 27-5 and hold an impressive 13-1 mark in the PacWest. Game one saw an exciting contest which, in all likelihood, should have ended up with a Seasider win.
After HPU grabbed a 1-0 lead after the first inning, BYUH scored two third inning runs to take a 2-1 lead. RBI hits by Melissa Lehano (2-3) and Crystal De La Cruz (1-2) delivered the punch for the Seasiders. HPU tied the game one inning later on a Tajia Acierto (2-3) homerun, but again lost the lead after Bettye Doering (2-3) countered with a homerun of her own to give BYUH a 3-2 lead after six innings.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Sea Warriors tied the game on an RBI single by Casey Sugihara (2-3, 2 R), and later won the game as Krystal Plunkett (1-4) grounded a ball right through the legs of second baseman Athena Salinas, allowing Sugihara to score the game winning run.
While not a thrilling contest, game two certainly saw HPU firing on all cylinders. Sherise Musquiz (12-4) pitched a one-hit shutout over five complete innings, as HPU ran away with the mercy rule win. Nicole Kalakau was the story of the game and the afternoon. For the doubleheader, she batted 5-7 with two runs scored and two RBI, including two doubles.
On the baseball diamond, HPU (24-12-1) was victorious in the first-ever statewide television broadcast (OC-16) of Hawai‘i Division II intercollegiate baseball. Kaimi Mead (6-0) battled, pitching into the ninth inning before being spelled by BA Garner who earned his ninth save. Tyler Safford was tagged with the loss for the Vulcans (11-15).
With UH-Hilo leading 2-0, HPU plated their first run of the game in the fourth inning. Aaron Asher (1-3) led off the inning with a double and scored one batter later on a fielding error by shortstop Thomas Brown.
The Sea Warriors took control of the game in the seventh inning. Pinch hitter Cheynne Hirota (1-1, 2 RBI) smacked a double to right field to drive in Paul Nishimura (1-4) from third and Michael Kealoha (1-2) from second. HPU grabbed a 4-2 lead after seven innings and paced to the one-run win.
Both Sea Warrior teams return to action tomorrow, April 5, to take on their same opponents. First pitch of the softball doubleheader with BYUH is set for 12:00 p.m. at Sea Warrior Field, with the start time of the baseball doubleheader set for 2:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Park.
HPU Baseball Earn Conference And Regional Recognition
Honolulu, HI (4/1/08) – After a week long road trip spanning two states, the HPU baseball team finished with a 3-5-1 record. Despite falling short of expectations, the Sea Warriors performed well enough to impress the West Region voters, retaining a #9 ranking in the Division II West Region Poll. Also, junior Aaron Asher (Aiea, HI) and senior Paul Nishimura (Kahalu'u, HI) were selected to the PacWest Weekly Honor Roll.
Asher batted .375 in nine games (9 for 24) with six runs, six RBI, two homeruns, three doubles and a .750 slugging rate. The catcher also posted a .571 on-base mark and reached base eight times last week after getting hit by pitches.
Nishimura hit .391 (9 for 23) in nine starts for the Sea Warriors. He scored four runs, recorded six RBI, walked four times, and belted a pair of homeruns. The right fielder produced a .652 slugging rate and a .517 on-base percentage.
HPU return to action this Friday, April 4, as they take on interstate foe UH-Hilo at Central Oahu Regional Park. The game will be broadcast live on Oceanic Cable 16 with the first pitch set for 6:30 p.m.
HPU Close Series With Gators, Earn Loss And A Tie
San Francisco, CA (3/29/08) – On the final day of the five-game series, HPU and San Francisco State played to the tune of a 6-5 Gator win in game one, and an 11-11 tie due to darkness. HPU fall to 23-12-1 with SFSU improving to 7-24-1.
In game one, HPU plated two runs in the top of the second inning to take an early 2-0 lead. Andrew Sramek (1-4) delivered a two-RBI base hit to put the Sea Warriors on top. HPU dropped three more runs in the fifth inning to take a commanding 5-0 lead. Danny Lee (2-5) singled to drive home two of the three runs.
The Gators found their way back into the game. Bobby Carini (2-4, 4 RBI) again became a thorn in the Sea Warriors’ side, belting a three-run homerun in the sixth inning to pull SFSU to within one run, then delivered an RBI single to tie the game at 5-5 in the seventh inning. The Gators won the game in the bottom of ninth inning, as Nick Nyman was hit by a B.A. Garner pitch with the bases loaded.
Starter Kaimi Mead (5-0) received the no-decision for HPU, pitching 6.2 innings and allowing five runs on 12 hits. Gator reliever Aaron Laux (1-1) earned the win, pitching three complete innings with no runs on one hit.
The nightcap saw thirteen runs plated through the first three innings. A triple and a double by Kevin Keogh (2-4, 2 RBI, 2 R), and a triple and a homerun by Cheynne Hirota (1-2, 3 RBI) helped pace the Sea Warriors as they trailed 9-8 after three innings. Nyman (3-4) hit a two-run homerun for the Gators to give them the one-run lead heading to the fourth inning.
HPU tied the game at 9-9 in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Sramek, but a two-run double by Matt Kavanaugh (3-3, 4 RBI) in the bottom of the inning gave the Gators the lead back at 11-9.
Once again, the Sea Warriors rallied, cutting the Gator lead in half on a bases loaded walk to Keogh in the sixth. They then tied the game at 11-11 in the seventh inning on a bases loaded walk to Hirota. With SFSU holding a man on first base in the bottom of the seventh inning, the game was called due to darkness.
HPU return home to take on the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo for a five game series at Hans L’Orange Park. First pitch of the single game is set for 6:30 p.m.
Sea Warriors Fall In Series Opener With San Francisco State
San Francisco, CA (3/27/08) – At Maloney Field, the HPU baseball team fell to San Franscisco State University, 7-6. The game was the first game of a five-game series between the Sea Warriors and Gators. With the loss, HPU fall to 22-10 while SFSU improve to 5-23. SFSU grabbed a firm hold of the game with four first inning runs.
A leadoff homerun by Bobby Carini (1-4) and triples by Ernie Munoz (1-3, 2 R) and Ryan Hill (1-3) led to the early 4-0 lead. Trailing 5-0, HPU responded in the top of the fifth inning with three runs to cut the Gator lead to 5-3. HPU led off the inning with three consecutive doubles. Cheynne Hirota (2-4, 2 R), Andrew Sramek (2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI), and Michael Kealoha all hit two-baggers to jumpstart the Sea Warriors. Kealoha posted a strong game, batting 3-4 with two runs and one RBI.
HPU would again find themselves down by four runs, as they headed to the top of the ninth inning down 7-3. In what has become a trademark of HPU baseball, the Sea Warriors rallied with their backs to the wall. After Hirota doubled and then scored off a Sramek base hit, Nicko Garibay (1-4) singled through the middle of the Gator infield to drive in two more runs. HPU trailed by just one run. But with two outs and Garibay on second base, Danny Lee (0-5) flied out and Aaron Asher (0-5) struck out to end the comeback bid.
Spencer Kreisberg (2-5) earned the victory for the Gators, pitching seven innings and giving up eight hits and three runs while striking out four batters. Spencer Omalza (2-2) received the loss for HPU, allowing six earned runs on seven hits. Paul Nishimura batted 3-4 for HPU and Evan Romanchuk hit 2-4 with one run and one RBI for SFSU.
HPU and SFSU continue their series tomorrow, March 28. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1:00 p.m. PST.
Sea Warriors Drop Two Versus Dixie State
Saint George, UT (3/25/08) – At Bruce Hurst Stadium, the HPU baseball team dropped a doubleheader to the Dixie State Rebels. Swept for only the second time this season, HPU fell 9-7 in game one, and 10-5 in the nightcap. The Sea Warriors fall to 22-9 while DSU improve to 15-15.
Game one saw HPU nearly overcome a six-run deficit in the final inning. With Dixie State leading 5-3, the Rebels seemingly put the game out of reach with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. A two-run homerun by Brett Adams (2-4) highlighted the four-run inning.
The Sea Warriors responded in the top of the seventh inning. After Kevin Keogh (0-2, 1 R) was hit by a Phil Finley pitch, HPU found themselves in a bases loaded no-out situation. A base hit by Danny Lee (1-4) and a triple by Spencer Omalza (1-4) helped cut the Rebel lead to 9-7, but the game ended in disappointment, however, as Johnny Gentry (0-3) struck out to end the comeback bid.
Daniel Cox (2-2) received the loss for HPU, pitching 3.2 innings allowing five runs on eight hits. Dixie State starter Robert Fielding improved to 2-0 after pitching four complete innings, allowing three runs on two hits. Paul Nishimura batted 2-2 with two RBI and two runs scored for HPU, and Kyle Pratt led DSU, batting 3-4 with two runs and two RBI.
The nightcap featured a third inning explosion that put the game away for Dixie State. Already with a 3-1 lead, DSU plated six third inning runs for a commanding 9-1 lead. A bases clearing triple by Tony Nelson highlighted the big inning.
Not to be outdone, Andrew Sramek (1-3) responded with a three-run homerun to cut the deficit to 9-4. The Sramek blast would be the last major surge for HPU, as Dixie State paced to the 10-5 win. Skyler Southwick earned the win for DSU, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing three earned runs on eight hits with an impressive nine strikeouts. Kevin Matsumoto (3-1) received the loss for HPU, allowing nine runs on four hits in just 2.2 innings of work.
HPU next travel to California where they visit San Francisco State University. First pitch of the six-game series with the Gators is set for Thursday, March 27, at 3:00 P.M. PST.
HPU Baseball Bolt Into Regional Rankings
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (3/17/08) – After receiving just three votes a week ago, The HPU baseball team earned a #7 ranking in this week’s West Region poll, as voted by the NCBWA (National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association).
The Sea Warriors are currently 20-7 and winners of 10 of their last 11 games. This past weekend HPU took five of six games from Patten University, scoring 43 runs in the series. They are just four wins away from breaking last season’s win total.
The Sea Warriors have taken advantage of their early season schedule of all home contests. They now take to the road where they will visit Dixie State College and San Francisco State University before returning home to face Division I opponents UH-Hilo and New Mexico State.
HPU open their series with Dixie State on Monday, March 24 in Saint George, Utah. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.
Sea Warriors Split Doubleheader With Patten University
Waipahu, Hawai'i (3/14/08) - At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team split a pair of games with Patten University. HPU fell in game one, 5-2, but took the nightcap, 9-5.
HPU fell being early in game one, as starter Spencer Omalza (2-2), allowed two runs in the first inning. Josh Harrell (2-3, 2 RBI) chopped a pitch by the outstretched hand of Michael Kealoha (1-3, 2 RBI) at shortstop for a 2-0 Lion lead. HPU responded in the bottom of the inning with one run. Danny Lee (2-3, 2 R) doubled in Nicko Garibay (0-4) to cut the lead to 2-1. Lee finished the twin-bill batting an impressive 5-7, with three runs scored and one RBI.
Patten would pad their lead over of the next several innings, adding one run in the third, fourth, and fifth innings, and record their first win of the series. HPU could only look themselves in the mirror, as they stranded 12 base runners in the game. HPU loaded the bases in the seventh inning with just one out, but strikeouts by Makana Kitamura (0-1) and Kealoha ended the game.
Omalza pitched five complete innings, allowing five runs on nine hits with three strikeouts. Joey Jennings batted a perfect 3-3 with one run and one RBI to lead Patten.
Game two’s result was more toward the Sea Warriors’ liking. HPU grabbed an 8-1 lead after three innings and never looked back. RBI by Paul Nishimura (2-3, 2 R) and Michael Kealoha (1-3, 2 RBI) led to a five-run first inning. HPU tacked on two more runs in the third inning, as Omalza (1-4, 3 RBI) ripped a shot to left field to drive in Danny Lee (2-3, 2 R) and Jacob Valentine (2-4, 2 R).
Toby Inouye (2-1) delivered a solid outing for HPU in picking up the win. In six complete innings, he allowed four runs on eight hits with two strikeouts. Luke Heil did the damage at the plate for Patten, batting 2-3 with two RBI.
The Sea Warriors and Lions finish their five-game series tomorrow, March 15. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Park.
HPU Topple Patten In Series Opener
Waipahu, Hawai‘i (3/13/08) – At Hans L’Orange Park, the HPU baseball team won their series opener with the Patten University Lions (2-20), 13-9. The Sea Warriors plated 12 runs in the first two innings and held on for the victory. Kaimi Mead was the pitcher of record for HPU, improving to a perfect 4-0, with the Sea Warriors improving to 17-6.
The game’s first two innings saw an offensive explosion for the Sea Warriors. Two-RBI base hits by both Johnny Gentry (1-2, 2 R, 2 RBI) and Paul Nishimura (2-3, 2 RBI) led to a five-run first inning. In inning two, Aaron Asher (1-3, 5 RBI) crushed his team-leading sixth homerun of the season, a grand slam over the centerfield fence. The homerun was part of a second inning that saw HPU plate seven runs and take a commanding 13-1 lead.
Patten starter Kevin Cheechov lasted just one inning, allowing eight runs on seven hits. His immediate relief faired no better, as Eric Tanner relinquished three runs on three hits before being spelled by Wesley Yee. Yee settled down the Lions, pitching five and one-third innings, allowing no earned runs on four hits. Yee’s calming presence slowed down the HPU attack, and opened the door for a six-run eighth inning to cut the lead to just four runs.
In the end, the lead proved to be insurmountable, as HPU held on for the victory. HPU’s one, two, and three hitters in the batting order did the damage on the night. Jacob Valentine (2-4), Nicko Garibay (2-5), and Danny Lee (2-5) all plated two runs. Jeff Harrell (3-5, 2 R) and Leo Ortiz (3-5) led the way for Patten.
HPU and Patten play games two and three of the five-game series tomorrow, March 13. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Park.
HPU Sweeps Five-Game Set With Grand Canyon
Waipahu, Hawai‘i (3/8/08) – At Hans L’Orange Park, HPU took a pair of games over Grand Canyon, running their record to an impressive 16-6. The Sea Warriors won game one 11-6, and took the nightcap 4-3. The Antelopes fall to 9-13-1 after five straight losses to HPU.
Game one saw GCU jump to a 3-1 lead after their half of the third inning. HPU then sent a message in the bottom of the inning that a victory would not elude them. The Sea Warriors cashed in five runs capped by a two-RBI base hit by Nicko Garibay (1-4) to take a 6-3 lead. GCU plated three unanswered runs late in the game to cut the deficit to 7-6, but four HPU runs in the bottom of the sixth inning sealed matters.
Kevin Matsumoto (2-0) earned the win while starter Jason Sweet earned the loss for the Antelopes. HPU was led by Michael Kealoha who batted 3-4 with two RBI and two runs. Dan Colella hit 3-3 with four RBI for GCU.
Grand Canyon jumped ahead once again in the nightcap. An RBI triple by Jeff Mutchler (1-2) off starter Micah Takahashi (3-0) helped GCU to the 2-0 lead. HPU answered back in the bottom of the first inning, with Danny Lee (2-3) and Aaron Asher (1-2) collecting RBI to even the contest. The Sea Warriors grabbed two more runs in the third inning. Johnny Gentry (1-3) and Paul Nishimura (1-3) drove in runs to give HPU a 4-2 lead after three innings, and hold on to the win.
Trevor Vega was the player of the game in the losing effort, batting 3-4 with two runs scored. Takahashi earned the win for HPU, while GCU starter Cody Fortney was tagged with the loss.
HPU next welcome Patten University to town for their final series before they hit the road. HPU and Patten open the five-game series with a single game this Thursday, March 13 at Hans L’Orange Park. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m.
Softball And Baseball Run Off Antelopes
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (2/7/08) – Both the HPU baseball and softball teams continued their hot starts, each sweeping Grand Canyon today in doubleheader matchups. The Lady Sea Warriors improved to a perfect 12-0 overall, 4-0 in conference with 3-0 and 6-0 wins. The baseball Sea Warriors have won five straight to improve to 14-6, taking GCU 11-5 in game one and 17-4 in the nightcap.
In Kaneohe, the Lady Sea Warrior softball team swept the series with the Antelopes, winning today with solid pitching backed by stellar defense. Starters Courtney Kessell (6-0) and Sherise Musquiz (6-0) combined to allow no runs on nine hits for the afternoon.
Game one featured a stalemate through four innings until HPU broke through for two runs in the fifth inning. HPU collected another run in the seventh inning to complete the scoring. Casey Sugihara batted 3-4 and Ciera Senas hit 2-4 with two runs.
Game two saw a similar story. HPU held a 3-0 advantage, but broke the game wide open with three seventh inning runs. Nicole Kalakau (1-3, 3 R) crushed her first homerun of the season, a solo shot over the left field fence for a 2-0 HPU lead. Krystal Plunkett had a solid day at the plate, batting 3-4 with three RBI, and Jessica Adolph hit 2-4.
HPU baseball found success all night long off the Grand Canyon pitching staff. Spencer Omalza (2-0) posted the win after seeing his team take an 8-1 lead after two innings. Aaron Asher (1-4) delivered a three-run homerun in the first inning to jumpstart the scoring spree. Danny Lee batted a perfect 3-3, with Johnny Gentry and Paul Nishimura each hitting 3-4. Gentry also collected three RBI. Jeff Mutchler and Matt Fox each hit 2-3 with two RBI to lead the Antelopes.
The nightcap saw an even more dominating performance by HPU. Toby Inouye improved to 2-1 in pitching five complete innings. Leading 4-3, HPU unloaded with eight fourth inning runs to break the game wide open. The offensive explosion was capped by Andrew Sramek’s grand slam over the left field fence. Jacob Valentine hit 2-4 with four runs scored. Nicko Garibay had a monster night, hitting 3-5 with three RBI and two runs scored.
Byron Reischel batted 2-3 with two runs scored to lead GCU.
The baseball team wraps the series up with GCU tomorrow, March 8th. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 2:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Park. The Lady Sea Warrior softball team will have a few days rest before they take on the University of Maine on Tuesday, March 11. First pitch of the single game is set for 4:00 p.m. at HPU Field.
HPU Sweeps Grand Canyon on the Diamond
Both the HPU baseball and softball teams began conference play today, each taking on Grand Canyon University. The Lady Sea Warriors swept the Lady Antelopes in their doubleheader, 5-1 and 3-1, and the Sea Warrior baseball team took their series opener with a resounding 14-2 victory.
The HPU softball team (10-0, 2-0) continued their hot start to the season with the two victories this afternoon at HPU Field. In game one, Courtney Kessell delivered another solid outing and improved her record to a perfect 5-0. Leading 1-0, HPU broke the game wide open in the third inning. Anuhea Young (1-2) crushed a homerun over the left field fence, driving in two Sea Warrior runs to cap the big inning and lead to the win.
Ciera Senas (2-4, 2 R) and Krystal Plunkett (2-3) also played well for HPU. Megan Niver collected the loss for the Antelopes in six innings of work.
Game two saw a much tighter battle, but again with HPU notching the win. All four runs of the 3-1 game came in the first two innings. HPU did the damage in the first inning, as Plunkett (1-2) went yard over the left field fence, driving in herself and Nicole Kalakau (1-1).
The two-run lead would stand, as Sherise Musquiz (5-0) delivered another quality outing on the mound, pitching seven complete innings while allowing one run on five hits with six strikeouts.
At Hans L’Orange Park in Waipahu, the baseball team (12-6, 1-0) posted their largest victory of the season, a 14-2 drumming of the Antelopes. The game was HPU’s first league contest in the newly align PacWest Conference. The PacWest instituted baseball as a conference sport this off-season.
Several Sea Warriors had monster outings at the plate. Nicko Garibay batted 3-4 with one RBI and four runs scored. Aaron Asher hit 3-5 with two runs and five RBI. Asher’s two-run homerun in the fourth inning helped break the game wide open for HPU. Danny Lee batted 2-3 with one run and one RBI, and Paul Nishimura hit 3-4 with two RBI.
Kaimi Mead (3-0) followed up his no-hitter one week ago with another quality performance. Mead pitched six complete innings allowing one run on six hits with three strikeouts.
All four teams hit the diamond again tomorrow, March 7. The Lady Sea Warrior softball team will take on the Antelopes in games three and four of their series. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 1:00 p.m. at HPU Field, and will be broadcast live on KUMU AM 1500. The baseball team faces off with Grand Canyon at Hans L’Orange Park. First pitch of their doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m.
HPU Splits Doubleheader With Northwest Nazarene
Waipahu, Hawai'i (1/1/08) - At Hans L’Orange Field, HPU closed their series with the Northwest Nazarene Crusaders with a doubleheader split. HPU fell in a tight battle in game one, 7-5, but responded in the nightcap to win 6-4 and finish the series with a victory. HPU moves to 11-6 with NNU now at 12-3.
As in many losses this season, HPU was unable to hold a lead in defeat of NNU. A double by Mike Kealoha in the fifth inning drove in two runs for a 4-2 lead. NNU responded in the top half of the fifth inning with three runs to take their second lead of the game. Zach Aukhus (4-5, 3 RBI) tripled to right center, knocking in three Crusader base runners to tie the game at 5-5. NNU tacked on runs in each of the next two innings for the comeback win.
Joel Oliver earned the win for NNU in a relief effort, while HPU reliever David Chow (0-1) was tagged with the loss. Jacob Valentine led HPU batting 2-4 with two runs, and Mitch Kochis batted 3-4 for the Crusaders.
In the nightcap, HPU again took an early lead and were successful in holding on for the victory. A Johnny Gentry (1-3, 1 RBI) double in the third inning knocked in Spencer Omalza (2-4, 2 RBI) for a 4-0 Sea Warrior lead. NNU responded in the sixth inning with three runs to cut the lead to 4-3. Three consecutive base hits off reliever Nick Alexander opened the door for the three-run inning. Freshman BA Garner was inserted into the game, calmed the troops, and led HPU to the 6-4 win.
Starter Micah Takahashi (2-0) earned the win for HPU, with Garner recording his fourth save of the season. Takahashi pitched five strong innings allowing no runs on just one hit. NNU starter Chris Mahelona received the loss in five innings of work.
The Sea Warriors will enjoy four days rest before they welcome PacWest foe Grand Canyon to town. The five-game series kicks off Thursday, March 6th at Hans L’Orange Field. First pitch of the single nine inning game is set for 6:00 p.m.
HPU Swept By Northwest Nazarene
Waipahu, Hawai‘i (2/29/08) – At Hans L’Orange Field, the HPU baseball team fell twice to Northwest Nazarene. HPU dropped game one 4-3, and the nightcap 4-1. NNU improve to 9-3 while HPU fall to 10-5.
Game one saw HPU take a 3-1 lead after four innings of play, scoring runs in the second, third, and fourth innings to take the early lead. A towering shot off the left field fence by Aaron Asher (1-3, 2 R) gave starter Toby Inouye a cushion midway through the game.
Arguably the biggest sequence of the game was HPU’s inability to plate a run in the 6th inning after loading the bases with no outs. Fly ball outs by Andrew Sramek (1-4), Mike Kealoha (0-3), and Asher subsequently ended the inning. One inning later, Jim VanBeek (2-4, 2 RBI) tripled for NNU to tie the game, and an unearned run gave the Crusaders a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Toby Inouye (0-1) received the loss in pitching seven complete innings, allowing two earned runs with four strikeouts. Tyler Leibelt received the win in a relief effort. Ivan Fujii and Jonah Hobson batted 2-4 and 2-5 respectively to lead HPU.
The night cap saw another tight game, and another disappointing Sea Warrior loss. Turhan Folse (1-2) got the nod for HPU. He received the loss, but pitched a respectable four innings allowing one earned run on four hits.
Trailing 2-1, HPU made some costly errors in the top of the sixth inning, allowing NNU to plate two more runs, and seal the win. Jacob Valentine and Danny Lee batted 2-4 and 2-5, respectively, to lead HPU. Andy Pottenger delivered a solid outing for the Crusaders in earning the win. He pitched six complete innings, allowing one run on seven hits with seven strikeouts.
HPU and NNU close the series tomorrow, March 1, with another doubleheader at Hans L’Orange Field. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m.
Mead Delivers No-Hitter For Sea Warriors
Waipahu, Hawai‘i (2/28/08) – Following an opening loss for the Sea Warriors (10-3), Kaimi Mead (Honolulu, Hawai‘i) took the mound and delivered a performance unrivaled in decades of HPU baseball. Mead pitched a no-hitter over a quality Northwest Nazarene (7-2) lineup, allowing no runs over seven complete innings as HPU won 7-0. NNW won game one 12-7.
Game one saw HPU jump out to an early 3-1 lead after two innings. Extra base hits by Mike Kealoha (1-3, 2 RBI), Danny Lee (2-5, 2 RBI), and Nicko Garibay (2-3, 1 RBI) keyed the three early runs. NNU seized control in the middle innings, plating four runs in the third inning, and another three runs in the sixth. A three-RBI triple by Mitch Kochis (3-4, 3 RBI) and an RBI double by Leibelt (1-5, 2 RBI) did the damage for the Crusaders, as they won going away. Daniel Cox was tagged with loss for HPU.
Magic ensued in the nightcap of the doubleheader. Meads no-hitter prevented a sweep at the hands of NNU, and set the stage for a competitive series. Mead has been stellar this season. In three starts, he has earned a 2-0 record with 25 strikeouts. Mead’s dominance was none more evident than when he collected two strikeouts in the seventh inning to complete the no-hitter. Three first inning runs by HPU was all the support Mead needed.
The Sea Warriors and Crusaders continue their series tomorrow, February 29. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Field.
Baseball Off To Hottest Start In 15 Years
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (2/27/08) – After spending a year at Central Oahu Regional Park, the HPU baseball team has moved back to newly renovated Hans L’Orange Field…and never have they felt quite so at home.
HPU is off to their best start in 15 years. At last weeks end, the Sea Warriors were a scorching 9-2 after a series sweep of Cal-State Dominguez Hills and three victories over visiting University of Missouri-Saint Louis. “I am extremely proud of our student-athletes for a great beginning, but we still have a long season ahead of us,” says an encouraged yet cautious Garett Yukumoto, Head Coach of the Sea Warriors. “Good teams take advantage of every opportunity given to them, and that’s what these players are doing.”
With the loss of 10 starters from the 2007 squad, and the influx of 21 newcomers, HPU have relied on some new faces to make an immediate impact – and that’s just what Coach Yukumoto is getting. Sophomore transfer Makana Kitamura (Kaneohe, HI) leads the team with a .350 batting average and freshman pitcher B.A. Garner (Federal Way, WA), at 2-1, leads the team in wins and holds a 0.96 earned run average.
The usual suspects are throwing around their metal as well. PacWest Player of the Week Danny Lee (Sr. , Kahaluu, HI) is hitting .349 with 15 hits and seven RBI, and Michael Kealoha (Sr., Waimanalo, HI) currently boasts a .324 batting average with 12 hits and 10 runs scored.
The Sea Warriors will be put to the test this weekend, as Northwest Nazarene University roll into town for a six-game set. The Crusaders, like HPU, are off to a hot start at 6-1 with all their victories coming on the road. The series begins Wednesday, February 28 at Hans L’Orange Field. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m.
“Hard work, mental preparation, physical ability and heart will determine the success of this team,” adds Yukumoto. “Hopefully we will prove we are a team of destiny,”
Baseball Continues Hot Start With Sweep of Tritons
Waipahu, Hawai‘i (2/23/08) – At Hans L’Orange Field, HPU took two games from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 6-3 and 3-0. HPU improves to 9-2 on the season while UMSL fall to 2-3.
Game one saw a solid outing by sophomore Kevin Matsumoto (1-0). He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing three runs on three hits while recording four strikeouts. BA Garner earned the save.
HPU scored two runs on the second, fifth, and seventh innings. Michael Kealoha led the way, batting 2-4 with one RBI. Jacob Valentine batted 2-3 with two runs scored and one RBI, a double in the fifth inning that drove in Kealoha.
The nightcap saw HPU hurler Micah Takahashi (1-0) earn his first victory of the season, and what an outing it was. Takahashi pitch a complete game three-hit shutout, as the Sea Warriors backed him up with three runs for the win. HPU scored all their runs in the first inning. After Valentine (0-1) walked and Kealoha (0-3) reach on an error, Danny Lee (2-3) tripled down the right field line to drive in the two base runners.
Takahashi handled the Tritons the rest of the way. Kyle Hargis was tagged with the loss for UMSL.
After completing their five-game set with UMSL, HPU return to action this Thursday, February 28, against Northwest Nazarene University. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Field.
Danny Lee Earns PacWest Player of the Week Honors
Queen Creek, AZ (2/22/08) – Senior third baseman Danny Lee earned PacWest Baseball Player of the Week honors, as announced today by the conference office.
Lee hails from Kahalu’u, Hawai‘i and was a former prep star at Saint Louis School in Honolulu. By weeks end, he was hitting .500 and leading the Sea Warriors to a perfect 6-0 start. In HPU’s six-game series with Cal State-Dominguez Hills, Lee went 12 for 24 with four runs scored, four runs batted in, and a double and three walks en route to the series sweep of the Torros. He posted a .542 slugging percentage and a .692 on-base rate.
Lee and the Sea Warriors hope to continue their hot start, as they face off with the University of Missouri-Saint Louis in games two and three of the series. First pitch of the double header is set for today, Friday at 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Field in Waipahu.
HPU Loses Series Opener To Tritons
Waipahu, Hawai'i (2/21/08) - At Hans L’Orange Field, the HPU baseball team dropped their first game of the season, a 7-5 loss to the University of Missouri-Saint Louis. HPU falls to 6-1 while the Tritons win their season opener. B.A. Garner was tagged with the loss in a relief effort, falling to 2-1 on the season.
The Sea Warriors held a solid footing on the game, leading 5-0 after three innings. HPU starter Kaimi Mead found himself in some precarious positions, but solid defense by HPU kept the Tritons off the scoreboard. Spencer Omalza (2-3) delivered a two-RBI single to give HPU the 5-0 lead.
The five early runs would be all HPU could muster. Trailing 5-2, UMSL posted four runs in the eighth inning to take a 6-5 lead. Some nifty base running and timely hitting helped the Tritons take their first lead of the game. Outside of Jonah Hobson (0-3) being hit by a pitch in the ninth inning, HPU saw no baserunners the rest of the way, falling to their first loss of the season.
Mead delivered a solid performance in receiving the no-decision. He pitched seven complete innings, allowing two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts.
HPU and UMSL face off tomorrow in games two and three of the series. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Field.
HPU Sweeps In Season Opener
Waipahu, Hawai‘i (2/15/08) – At Hans L’Orange Field, The HPU Sea Warrior baseball team opened the 2008 season with a doubleheader sweep of Cal Sate University-Dominguez Hills (3-6). HPU (2-0) took the first game 9-8 in 13 innings, and then the night cap 6-2.
Game one saw the Torros strike first to lead 5-1 after their half of the third inning. The HPU bats then came alive, as they plated five runs in the bottom of the third inning for a 6-5 lead. Runs were few and far between the rest of the way. In the bottom of the thirteenth inning, Paul Nishimura (3-2) drove in Michael Kealoha (5-6) for the game winner.
Spencer Omalza (1-0) captured the win for HPU, with Matt Hopps earning the loss for the Torros.
The nightcap featured less excitement, but a victory, nevertheless, for HPU. Kaimi Mead (1-0) stymied the Torros, pitching six strong innings, allowing one run on four hits with seven strikeouts. CSUDH held a 1-0 lead heading to the bottom of the sixth inning, until HPU erupted with four runs. The Sea Warriors tacked on two more runs one inning later to coast to the victory behind Mead’s dominant pitching performance.
David Leyva earned the loss for CSUDH in allowing four runs on five hits.
The two teams continue their series tomorrow, February 16, with another doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m. at Hans L’Orange Field.
Sea Warriors Release 2008 Schedule
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (12/28/07) – The HPU baseball team released their 2008 season schedule. The 55-game schedule kicks off February 15 with a six-game series against Cal State-Dominguez Hills, played at Hans L’Orange Field.
Unlike the 2007 campaign that saw HPU open with six road games against nationally ranked opponents, this season starts with 15 home games beginning with the Toros and closing with NAIA opponent Patten University. HPU took seven of eight games last season against Patten.
Following their home stand, the Sea Warriors take to the road for a pair of series against Dixie State College and San Francisco State University. They return to the islands to close the season against Division I opponents University of Hawai‘i-Hilo and New Mexico State University.
The HPU baseball team enter their third season under Head Coach Garett Yukumoto. With a mixture of local prospects, mainland talent, and junior college transfers, Coach Yukumoto looks to improve on a 23-27 season that featured both memorable wins and disappointing losses. “There were a lot of injuries that left us trying to find the right chemistry to produce victories,” describes Yukumoto of the 2007 season. “Hopefully we will be healthier this season and prove we are a team of destiny.” All homes games will be played at Hans L’Orange Field located in Waipahu, Hawai‘i.
HPU Baseball Sign Junior College Transfer
Honolulu, Hawai‘i (8/6/07) – The Hawai`i Pacific University baseball team completed another signing for the 2008 season. Local high school star and junior college transfer Aaron Asher will be playing for HPU this season.
Asher (Waipahu, Hawai‘i) graduated and played catcher for Aiea High School. He earned All-State honors and his Na Ali‘i team captured an OIA crown his senior season. He then moved on to play at Yavapai College (Prescott, Arizona) where his team nearly won the 2006 Junior College World Series, falling to Walters State Community College in the championship game, 7-6. Asher earned second-team all tournament honors, and was selected to the All-West Region Second-Team.
HPU Baseball Release First Offseason Recruit Signing
7/5/2007 (Honolulu, Hawai‘i) – The Hawai`i Pacific University baseball team released their first signing of the offseason. Benjamin Garner will be joining the Sea Warriors primarily as a pitcher.
Garner, born in Tokyo, Japan, hails from Federal Way, Washington by way of Tacoma Community College, also in Washington. For Tacoma in the 2007 season, he posted a 1.29 ERA as a closer, earning 12 saves en route to earning all-conference honors.
The Sea Warriors hope to build on a 2007 season that featured the development of young talent and appearances in the West Region rankings.
April 29, 2007
Sea Warriors Win A Thriller On Senior Day
Waipio, Hawai‘i – At Central Oahu Regional Park, the HPU seniors closed the chapter on their collegiate baseball careers with a thrilling come from behind victory over Dixie State College. HPU rallied from a seven run deficit for a 12-11 extra inning victory.
In a game featuring 23 runs on 36 hits, Dixie State jumped out to an early 5-0 advantage after two and a half innings. Jordan Daley (2-5, 2 R), Ammon Zitting (3-6, 2 R), and Kyle Pratt (4-6, 2 R, 2 RBI) all doubled to help build the early lead for the Rebels.
HPU fought back, answering with two runs in the bottom of the third. Andrew Sramek (2-3, 3 R) delivered his first homerun of the season, and senior Colton Silva doubled and scored a run to cut the lead to 6-2. Silva delivered a stellar performance in his last game for HPU, batting 3-4 with two doubles and three runs. The Rebels eventually built an 11-3 advantage, poised to win going away.
HPU had other plans.
The Sea Warriors dropped three runs in the bottom of the eight inning to cut the score to 11-7. Spencer Omalza (1-4, 2 RBI) drove a ball over the head of right fielder Blake Mickelson (2-6), sending home Danny Lee (3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI) and Colton Silva, cutting the deficit to four runs.
HPU completed the comeback in the ninth inning, plating four runs to tie the game. After three of the first four HPU batters walked to load the bases, Tripper Chung (2-6) hit a two-RBI double to right field to cut the lead to 11-9. Substitute Kevin Keogh then delivered a two-RBI triple to tie the game, and nearly ran home for the game winner as the throw to third skipped by Daley, but Keogh held up.
In the bottom of the tenth inning with the bases loaded, Sramek raced home on a wild pitch by Cory Imel for the game winning run. HPU finished the season 23-27, with Mike Kealoha (2-1) receiving the victory.
Following the game, seniors Cruz Hatanaka, Jason Shimizu, Colton Silva, and Geoffrey Say were honored for contributions to the Sea Warrior baseball program.
April 28, 2007
Sea Warriors Split With Dixie State
Waipio, Hawai‘i – At Central Oahu Regional Park, the HPU baseball team split a doubleheader with the Dixie State College Rebels. With the split, HPU moves their record to 22-27.
Game one saw a quality pitchers dual. HPU ace Jason Shimizu took the mound against Dixie State starter Skyler Southwick. Neither team could score until the fourth inning, when Mark Rose (1-2) drove a Shimizu fastball over the left field fence for a 1-0 lead.
The Sea Warriors answered one inning later, as Colton Silva (1-2) drove in Andrew Sramek (1-3) who had singled and advanced on a fielders choice to start the inning.
The play of the game happened in the fifth inning as Abe Candelaria (0-1) scored from third base on a sacrifice fly, appearing to give the Rebels a 2-1 lead. However, the umpires ruled Candelaria left third base early for what turned out to be the third out of the inning.
HPU capitalized one inning later on an RBI double by Spencer Omalza (1-2), driving in Johnny Gentry (0-2, 1 R) from first base for a 2-1 lead and the eventual win. Shimizu (8-2) pitched a stellar game in his final start in a Sea Warrior uniform. In pitching a complete game, Shimizu allowed one run on three hits with four strikeouts. Southwick pitched six strong innings in the losing effort, allowing one run on four hits with five strikeouts.
The nightcap saw HPU rally from a five-run deficit, only to fall in a heartbreaking loss. After taking an early 1-0 lead, Dixie State added to their total in the third inning, as HPU starter Daniel McDonald (1-3) walked in Cory Roveri (1-3) with the bases loaded for the 2-0 lead.
HPU responded in the bottom of the inning, as Mike Kealoha (1-3, 2 R) scored on the heels of two Rebel errors to cut the lead to 2-1. Dixie State appeared to pull away in the fourth inning, as they plated three runs to take a 6-2 lead. Doubles by Abe Candelaria (1-2) and Mark Rose (1-3) paved the way for the three run inning.
Trailing 6-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, HPU’s sliver of hope for a victory became a close reality, as Mike Kelly stepped to the plate with a 6-5 score, one out, and the bases loaded. Kelly lined a fastball right into the glove of relief pitcher Phil Finley who promptly doubled up Danny Lee on third base, suddenly ending the game with a Dixie State win. Kelly had been perfect to that point, finishing the game 3-4.
HPU takes on Dixie State for a single game tomorrow, April 29, at 12:00 p.m. The game is the season finale for the Sea Warriors. Seniors Cruz Hatanaka, Colton Silva, Jason Shimizu, and Geoffrey Say will be honored for their careers as members of the HPU baseball team.
April 27, 2007
Sea Warriors Fall To Dixie State
Waipio, Hawai‘i – At Central Oahu Regional Park, HPU (21-26) dropped two games in a doubleheader sweep to the Dixie State College Rebels (22-18), 6-2 and 13-3.
Game one saw Spencer Omalza (0-4) pitch a beauty, only to be tagged with the loss for his efforts. After falling behind in the first inning 1-0, the Sea Warriors grabbed a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning on a Dillon Guzman (1-3) triple, driving in Andrew Sramek (1-2) for the go-ahead run.
Omalza headed into the top of the seventh inning having allowed just one run on two hits. But Omalza could not hold the lead, as Dixie State platted five runs in the inning to take a 6-2 advantage. With Mark Veneri on the mound in relief of Omalza, Garrett Messerly (1-1) slapped a lazy ball through the middle of the infield resulting in three Dixie State runs.
Chad Povich earned the win for Dixie State, pitching a complete game allowing two runs on five hits with five strikeouts.
The nightcap proved to be a different story but with the same result, as the Rebels won going away, 13-3.
In the second inning, Dixie State scored the game’s first five runs to take an early 5-0 lead. HPU starter David Chow (3-3) lasted just 1.1 innings before being relieved by Turhan Folse (2 IP, 0 runs, 0 hits).
The Rebels tacked on two more runs in the fourth, but HPU battled, cutting the lead to 7-2 after five innings. Danny Lee hit his third homerun of the season in the comeback effort.
Erasing any chance of an HPU comeback, Dixie State dropped five runs in the top of the sixth inning. Doubles by Kyle Pratt (3-5, 5 RBI) and Keoni Viernes (1-2) led to three runs. Each team would add another run to complete the scoring. With solid run support behind him, Dixie State starter Cody Hansen pitched a complete game for the win, allowing two earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.
HPU and Dixie State face off in games three and four of the series tomorrow, April 28 at Central Oahu Regional Park. First game of the doubleheader is set for 2:00 p.m.
April 21, 2007
Sea Warriors And Vulcans Rained Out
Hilo, Hawai‘i – At Wong Stadium, Hawai‘i Pacific University and the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo played to a 1-1 draw before the game was halted due to rain.
The Sea Warriors scored in the first inning as Danny Lee singled in Colton Silva to start the game and push HPU to the early 1-0 lead. Before the Vulcans could take a swing at the plate, the first of two rain delays appeared and halted the game for 90 minutes.
After the field was repaired, neither team could put across another run until the fifth inning. With the rain steadily falling from the sky, Shane Kessel and Michael Higa doubled to tie the score at 1-1.
A dark cloud moved over the field in the eighth inning and dumped enough rain that the umpires deemed the field unplayable.
Kaimi Mead (2-3) started the game for HPU before being relieved in the seventh inning by Cruz Hatanaka. Mead pitched a solid six innings, allowing one run on four hits with three strikeouts.
There is no word on any rescheduling of the game.
HPU will kick off their final series of the regular season this Friday, April 27, as they host Dixie State College for a five-game series. First pitch of Friday’s doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
April 20, 2007
HPU Splits Twin-Bill Versus UH-Hilo
Vulcans Hilo, Hawai‘i – At Wong Stadium, the Hawai‘i Pacific University Sea Warrior baseball team won game one 4-1 en route to a doubleheader split versus UH-Hilo. UH-Hilo took the nightcap 5-3. With the pair of games, HPU improves to 21-24 on the season.
Jason Shimizu (7-2) dominated the Vulcan lineup in game one. In pitching a complete game, Shimizu allowed just one run on three hits while striking out four Vulcan batters. HPU scored a pair of runs in the third and seventh innings, proving to be more than enough offense for Shimizu. Vulcan starter Joe Davis received loss, allowing four runs on nine hits with three strikeouts.
Tripper Chung (2-3) and Johnny Gentry (1-3) both collected RBI in the second and third innings to help HPU take a 2-1 lead. In the seventh inning, Mike Kealoha (1-2) provided some insurance for Shimizu, smacking an RBI-double to left field and scoring on a passed ball to bolster the lead to 4-1.
In the nightcap, the Sea Warriors were eyeing the doubleheader sweep, as they held a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning. Kealoha (2-3) and Chung (2-4) answered the bell once again, each collecting RBI singles in the top of the fourth inning to push the Sea Warriors to the two-run lead.
The Vulcans bounced back, picking up one run in the fourth inning on an HPU throwing error, and another run in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Ryan Taiariol (1-4). UH-Hilo grabbed the lead for good in the sixth inning, as A.J. Satele (3-3, 2 RBI) singled past Kealoha at shortstop to drive in David Chu (2-3) and Peter Rodgers (2-2) for the go ahead runs.
Vulcan starter Lars Knepper delivered a solid performance on the mound. In pitching a complete game, Knepper allowed three runs on five hits with eight strikeouts. Cruz Hatanaka (2-3), in relief of Chow, earned the loss for the Sea Warriors.
HPU and UH-Hilo face of once more tomorrow, April 21. First pitch is set for 11:00 a.m. at Wong Stadium.
April 14, 2007
Sea Warriors Swept In Series Finale
Needing to win both games of today's doubleheader to split the series with Grand Canyon, the HPU baseball team came up short, falling 5-4 in the opener and 14-9 in the nightcap at Brazell Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. With the losses, HPU fell to 20-23 overall on the season, while GCU improved to 25-19.
The Sea Warriors were poised to take game one, as they held a 4-3 lead going in to the bottom of the seventh inning. GCU would load the bases however, and Steve Lux's double off the center field wall scored the tying and winning run, locking up the series for the Antelopes with their fourth win in five games.
Tied at 1-1 heading into the fourth inning, HPU plated three runs aided by a solo homerun from Colton Silva, and an RBI-double from Johnny Gentry. GCU would respond in the bottom of the inning with two runs of their own, cutting the deficit to 4-3. After Brian Evans doubled to lead of the sixth inning, HPU starter Spencer Omalza was lifted for Michael Kealoha, who retired the side to end the threat. Kealoha wasn't as fortunate in the seventh however, allowing two hits and a walk before Lux's game winning hit. Silva (2-4, HR, 2R), Tripper Chung (2-3, R, RBI) and Danny Lee (2-3, R,RBI) led HPU at the plate.
In the nightcap, GCU broke a 7-2 game open in the fifth, getting seven runs on five hits, including back-to-back home runs from Brad Western and Craig Daniel. HPU would not go quietly however, as they put up six runs in the sixth, scoring all their runs with two outs. The big blow came off the bat of pinch-hitter Mike Kelly, who hit his first career home run, a towering two-run shot to left field. Chung stayed hot for the Sea Warriors, finishing 3-5 with a double and three RBI, while Omalza also paired hits, batting 2-3 with a double and RBI.
HPU will look to bounce back in their next series, a four-game set with UH-Hilo in Hilo, Hawai'i on Friday and Saturday, April 20th and 21st. They then close out the season hosting a five-game series against Dixie State College, April 27-29 at Central Oahu Regional Park.
April 13, 2007
HPU Splits With Grand Canyon
The HPU baseball team finally made their hits count, scoring 13 runs on 12 hits, en route to a 13-4 win in the nightcap of their twinbill against Grand Canyon University. The Antelopes (23-19) took the opener at Brazell Stadium in Phoenix, 8-2.
After allowing two first inning runs in game two, HPU starter Jason Shimizu was spectacular the rest of the way, finishing with a four-hit complete game, improving to 6-2 on the season. The bats came alive for the Sea Warriors in the second inning, as Kevin Keogh's RBI-double ignited a five-run inning, capped off by Tripper Chung's bases clearing double four batters later.
HPU (20-21) would pad the lead in the third on RBI-singles from Keogh and Andrew Sramek, and broke the game open in the seventh, adding four runs on RBI-doubles from Sramek and Chung, and a two-run homerun from Paul Nishimura. Chung (2-5) finished with four RBI, while Sramek (3-4, 3R, 2 RBI), Keogh (2-4, R, 2 RBI), Dillon Guzman (2-3, 2B, HR, 3R) and Johnny Gentry (2-4, 2R) all finished with multiple hits. In going the distance, Shimizu struck out seven and walked just one batter on the night.
In the opener, HPU scored a run in each of the first two innings, but GCU's Dan Collela was a one-man wrecking crew, finishing a perfect 4-4 with six RBI. His two-run homerun in the first inning gave the Antelopes the lead, and his two-run single an inning later broke a 2-2 tie, giving them the lead for good. HPU starter Kaimi Mead (2-3) took the tough loss, allowing eight runs on 12 hits, but bounced back after the first two innings to scatter five hits the rest of the way. GCU's Patrick Lawler held HPU scoreless from the third inning on, allowing just four hits for the complete game win. Colton Silva and Sramek led HPU at the plate, finishing 3-4 and 2-3, respectively.
The teams will wrap up the series tomorrow, with the final doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. HST)
April 12, 2007
Sea Warriors Swept By Antelopes
In the first of three doubleheader's with Grand Canyon University, the HPU baseball team dropped both games in the series opener, falling 11-3 in game one, and 8-7 (11 innings) in the nightcap at Brazell Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona. In game two, Mark Veneri drove in Johnny Gentry with the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th inning, but GCU would plate two runs in the bottom half to complete the sweep.
After dropping game one, HPU (19-20) scored early in game two, erupting for 10 hits and six runs after the first two innings. Gentry led the way with a two-run single in the first, and added an RBI-double in the second, while Michael Kealoha's two-run single highlighted a four-run, six-hit second inning. GCU (22-18) would answer with two runs in each of the first two innings, and later added two more in the fourth, tying the game at 6-6.
Neither team would threaten until the top of the 10th, as HPU loaded the bases with no outs, but could not capitalize, as a strikeout and double play would end the inning. In the 11th, Veneri legged out an infield single to score Gentry, who singled to lead off the inning, putting HPU in front 7-6. A sacrifice fly in the bottom half would tie the game at 7-7, and after a walk, single and passed ball, the Antelopes ended the marathon, scoring on another passed ball, HPU's fourth of the inning.
Gentry led HPU's 19-hit attack, finishing 4-6 with 3 RBI, while Veneri, Colton Silva and Tripper Chung each finished 3-6. Kealoha (2-5, 2 RBI) and Paul Nishimura (2-6) also paired hits for the Sea Warriors.
In the opener, the Sea Warriors led 3-2 after two innings, but GCU's six-run fifth inning proved to be the difference, as the Antelopes ran away with the win. Chung (3-3), Kealoha (2-4) and Lee (2-4) paced HPU's 11-hit attack.
HPU will look for redemption tomorrow, as Kaimi Mead and Jason Shimizu take the mound looking to end the team's four-game skid. First pitch is set for 3:00 p.m. (12:00 p.m. HST) with the nightcap to follow 30 minutes after the completion of game one.
April 7, 2007
HPU Drops Two in Twin-Bill Versus UH Hilo
Waipio, Hawai'i – At Central Oahu Regional Park, HPU dropped two games to UH Hilo, 10-3 and 8-1. With the losses, the Sea Warriors fall to 19-18 and split the four-game home stand with the Vulcans.
In game one, Spencer Omalza took the hill against Vulcan starter Joe Davis. In receiving the loss, Omalza (0-3) pitched four innings, allowing five runs on five hits with three strikeouts. Davis received the win, allowing three runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings.
UH Hilo jumped on the scoreboard early, as Courtney Harris drove in two runs on a double to right centerfield. After HPU scored in the bottom of the inning to decrease the deficit to one run, the Vulcans slowly increased the lead throughout the game. Taking a 6-3 lead into the seventh inning, UH Hilo put the game out of reach as Harris delivered another 2-RBI double as part of the four-run inning. Johnny Gentry (2-4), Tripper Chung (2-3), and Paul Nishimura (2-3, 2 RBI) all performed well in the loss for the Sea Warriors.
The nightcap featured another dominating performance for UH Hilo. The damaging hit of the game came in the second inning, as Michael Higa hit a grand slam homerun off HPU starter Turhan Folse (1-3) for a 6-0 Vulcan lead.
The Sea Warriors mustered little attack off Vulcan starter Jeffrey Germain, who pitched a complete game allowing one run on seven hits. Tripper Chung led the way for HPU, batting 2-3 with one RBI.
HPU leaves this week for their second and final mainland trip of the season. The Sea Warriors begin a six-game series against the Antelopes of the Grand Canyon, first pitch of the series-opening doubleheader is slated for Thursday, April 12, at 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.
April 6, 2007
Home Sweet Home, Sea Warriors Sweep Vulcans
Waipio, Hawai‘i – After a tough road trip in which they won just two of nine games, HPU enjoyed a little home cooking as they swept a doubleheader from the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, 3-1 and 7-6. The Sea Warriors improved to 19-16 while the Vulcans dropped to 9-26.
Jason Shimizu took the mound for HPU in game one, pitching a gem to improve his record to 5-2. Shimizu threw five strong innings, allowing one run on three hits while striking out five Vulcan batters. Cruz Hatanaka tossed two innings of scoreless relief, earning his first and the team’s third save of the season.
HPU collected all the runs they would need in the second inning. Two hit batsman by Vulcan starter Lars Knepper, and RBIs by Paul Nishimura and Mike Kealoha led to a 2-0 lead after two innings. Tripper Chung was the game’s top hitter, batting 2-3 with one run scored.
The nightcap featured quite a different story. HPU’s Kaimi Mead faced off against Vulcan starter and Waianae High School graduate, Clayton Uyechi. Neither pitcher figured in the decision in the wild 7-6 win for the Sea Warriors.
The first inning saw both teams punch in two runs. Vulcan first baseman A.J. Satele rocketed a two-run homerun over the left field fence for a 2-0 Vulcan lead. HPU answered in the bottom of the inning, as Chung (2-4, 3 RBI) knocked in two runs on a double to right center to tie the score at 2-2.
UH-Hilo grabbed a solid hold on the game in the third inning, as Dayne Ogawa (2-4) lined a shot that skipped under a diving Paul Nishimura (1-4) in left field. Three runs raced home as Ogawa was credited with a triple. UH-Hilo added one more run in the fourth inning on a sacrifice fly by David Chu for a 6-2 lead.
As in countless occasions this season, HPU mounted a comeback, and with the bases loaded, no outs, and the score 6-5, Andrew Sramek was hit by a pitch from reliever Dustin Gilmore to tie the game. Then with Mark Veneri pinch hitting, Gilmore threw a wild pitch allowing Tripper Chung to beat out a play at the plate for the winning run.
HPU and UH-Hilo face off again tomorrow in another doubleheader. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
March 29, 2007
HPU Swept By Sonoma State
After falling in the series opener yesterday, the HPU baseball team dropped both games of their doubleheader with red-hot Sonoma State University, falling 4-2 and 15-1 in Rohnert Park, California. The Seawolves improved to 27-5 overall with their 13th and 14th consecutive win, setting a new school record. The Sea Warriors fell to 17-14 on the season.
Game one was a pitchers' duel as HPU's Spencer Omalza and Sonoma's Matt Bush matched each other through the first six innings. On his 21st birthday, Omalza run into some hard luck in the sixth, as Robert Walden broke a 1-1 tie with a two-out, two-run double when left fielder Michael Kealoha lost the high fly ball in the sun.
The Sea Warriors would threaten in the top of the seventh, loading the bases with no outs, but could manage only one run on a Zach Parnell single to cut the lead to 3-2. Sonoma would answer in the bottom of the inning however, on an RBI-double by Tyrese McDaniel stretching the lead back to two runs. HPU would put runners on base in the eighth and ninth inning, but could not score, as they stranded 10 runners on base for the game. Omalza took the tough loss, falling to 0-2 on the year, while Bush improved to 5-1. Danny Lee paced HPU at the plate, batting 3-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI. Parnell also paired hits, finishing 2-4.
In the nightcap, the Seawolves jumped on HPU starter David Chow, getting five runs in the opening inning on a pair of home runs. They would add six more in the fourth, the big blow coming off of Maui native Vance Otake's grand slam, and four more in the fifth to put the game out of reach.
Sonoma's Bryan Oland scattered seven hits through five innings for his sixth win of the year, while Chow fell to 2-2. Omalza, Johnny Gentry and Mark Veneri each batted 2-3 to lead HPU.
The Sea Warriors will wrap up the five-game series tomorrow with another doubleheader beginning at 12:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. HST).
March 28, 2007
Sea Warriors Drop Series Opener
Looking to inch closer to a postseason bid, the HPU baseball team fell in the opener of their five-game series with Sonoma State University, 14-3, in Rohnert Park, California.
The Seawolves (24-5), currently tied for third in this week's regional poll and winners of 12-straight games, jumped out early on HPU starter Cruz Hatanaka, getting three unearned runs in the opening inning. The Sea Warriors (17-12) battled back in the top of the third, getting an RBI-double from Colton Silva, and a run scoring single from Tripper Chung.
Sonoma would respond in the bottom half however, as Tyler Wightman got both runs back with his second home run of the season, a two-run shot, to extend the lead back to 5-2. In the bottom of the fourth, the Seawolves would break it open, plating five runs and chasing Hatanaka from the game.
HPU would add their final run in the top of the sixth on Paul Nishimura's RBI-double, scoring Geoffrey Say who walked to lead off the inning. Silva led HPU at the plate, finishing 3-5 with a run scored and RBI. Nishimura and Chung also paired hits, each finishing 2-4 with one run batted in. Hatanaka fell to 2-1 on the year, while Kenny Cook earned his first win for Sonoma in relief of starter Matt Garnett. Chase McGuire paced Sonoma at the plate, batting 2-3 with four RBI.
The Sea Warriors hope to bounce back tomorrow with a doubleheader scheduled for 12:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. HST). They will wrap up the series with another doubleheader on Friday.
March 26, 2007
HPU Splits Series With Tritons
Kaimi Mead scattered nine hits through seven innings, leading HPU (17-11) to an 8-5 win in the nightcap of their doubleheader against UC-San Diego (21-11) in La Jolla, California. The Sea Warriors, who moved up to ninth in the current regional poll, fell in the opener 8-3, splitting the series with the Tritons, 2-2.
Though struggling with his control, Mead pitched will enough to earn his second win of the year. Offensively, HPU jumped out to the early lead, scoring four runs in the first, and plating two more in the second, behind RBI singles from Mark Veneri and Paul Nishimura.
After allowing four runs in the bottom of the second, Mead settled down the rest of the way, getting Chris Franco to pop-out with two runners on base to end the game. Veneri finished 2-2 with two RBI, while Johnny Gentry and Spencer Omalza also paired hits for HPU.
In the opener, the Tritons took advantage of four walks and seven hit batters by HPU pitchers, scoring three runs in the seventh inning to seal the win. Sea Warrior starter Turhan Folse allowed four runs in 4.2 innings (three hit batters) for his second loss of the year. Omalza, Danny Lee and Colton Silva each finished 2-4, while Lee also drove in two runs.
The Sea Warriors will travel to Rohnert Park, California tomorrow, for a five-game series with Sonoma State University, who is currently tied for third in the West Region poll. The series begins on Wednesday, March 28th with a single game, followed by doubleheaders on Thursday and Friday. First pitch on Wednesday is at 12:00 p.m. (9:00 a.m. HST).
March 25, 2007
Sea Warriors Split At UC-San Diego
Looking to make a statement in their first road trip of the year, the HPU baseball team split their doubleheader with host UC-San Diego, taking the opener, 9-4, and falling in the nightcap, 12-3.
In game one, HPU starter Jason Shimizu dominated the Tritons, allowing just five hits and one earned run in eight innings of work. The California native mixed his pitches well, keeping UCSD off balance throughout the game to earn his fourth victory of the year. Offensivley, Michael Kealoha paced the Sea Warriors at the plate, finishing 3-5 with two runs scored, while Danny Lee and Johnny Gentry also paired hits, each finishing 2-4 with two RBI. Spencer Omalza also had a big game, driving in four runs, three on a bases clearing double in HPU's five-run fifth inning.
Matt Cantele (2-4) hit one of UCSD's two home runs in the game, a solo-shot in the first inning. Chris Franco added a pinch-hit two-run shot in the ninth, his first of three home runs on the day.
In the nighcap, the Sea Warriors jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, getting RBI's from Gentry and Tripper Chung in the opening inning. UCSD cut the lead in half with a run in the bottom of the inning, then exploded for five runs in the third on a grand slam by Franco.
In the fourth, three HPU errors accounted for five more runs for the Tritons, including another home run from Franco, which was more than enough support for starter Trevor Decker. The right-hander scattered six hits in six innings to earn his sixth win of the year.
HPU (16-10), currently ranked 10th in the West Region poll, can improve on their ranking with two more games against the fifth-ranked Tritons (20-10), and a five-game series against fourth-ranked Sonoma State later in the week. Game one in tomorrow's double header finale is set for 11:00 a.m. (8:00 a.m. HST)
March 22, 2007
HPU Collects Two Wins, Sweep Series
Waipio, Hawai‘i – Not often do games start with the bases loaded and a 2-1 count on the batter, but that is exactly what Spencer Omalza and the Sea Warriors faced. With HPU trailing 12-11 in game two of last night’s doubleheader, the Central Oahu Regional Park lights shut off, postponing the game to today.
Omalza stepped to the plate with a chance to tie or win the game, and was subsequently walked to even the score at 12-12. HPU then won the game on a Geoffrey Say walk, as Danny Lee trotted home for the winning run. Final score: HPU 13, Southern Connecticut 12.
In what turned out to be the nightcap, southpaw Daniel McDonald took the mound against Owl starter Edward Bethke. HPU struck first in the second inning, as a Mike Veneri (2-3) double down the right field line drove in Omalza (1-3) from first base.
Southern Connecticut answered one inning later with a run of their own, evening the score at 1-1. In the fourth inning, HPU increased their lead to 3-1, as Zackary Parnell (1-3) laced a pitch to left field to drive in Omalza.
With the score 3-2 in the sixth inning and runners at first and third bases, Turhan Folse, pitching in relief of McDonald, struck out Billy Hite and Paul Izzo to end the inning. The Owls would not threaten the rest of the way, as HPU edged Southern Connecticut 3-2.
McDonald (1-2) delivered a solid performance in earning the victory. In 5.1 innings of work, he allowed two runs on three hits with two strikouts. In receiving the save, Folse pitched 3.2 innings allowing no runs on two hits with five strikouts. The save was Folse’s first of the season. Edward Bethke (SCS) pitched solidly in the loss, hurling 7.2 innings while allowing three runs on eight hits with five strikouts.
After losing the first six games of the season, HPU (15-9) has won eight consecutive games and 15 of their last 18. The Sea Warriors now enter a nine-game road trip against UC San Diego and Sonoma State. First pitch is set for Sunday, March 25 at 11:00 a.m. PST versus UC San Diego.
March 21, 2007
Sea Warriors Take Game One
Waipio, Hawai‘i – At Central Oahu Regional Park, the HPU Sea Warriors faced off in a doubleheader with the Southern Connecticut State Owls. Game one went to HPU 6-5 with the nightcap suspended due to darkness.
Game one featured quality pitching and clutch hitting, as HPU overcame a 4-0 deficit to win 6-5 on their last at bat. Spencer Omalza (0-1) took the mound against Southern Connecticut starter Nick Carlucci. Carlucci cruised into the sixth inning allowing just two Sea Warriors to reach base. A Colton Silva (2-3) triple to center field, and a base hit by Johnny Gentry (1-2) served as the only offensive output through five innings. The Owls, meanwhile, built a 4-0 lead on the heels of hot hitting by Jose Ortiz. Ortiz finished the game batting 3-4 with three runs and two RBI.
As if awakening from their slumber, HPU erupted in the sixth inning with five runs to tie the game at 5-5. Trailing 4-1 with the bases loaded, Tripper Chung (2-3) smacked a triple to left center field, driving in three runs to tie the score at 4-4. With HPU leading 5-4 in the top of the seventh, the Owls responded with a run to foil the Sea Warrior comeback – temporarily.
In the bottom of the inning, with Dillon Guzman on third base, Danny Lee hit a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Guzman for the win. Entering as a pinch hitter for Geoffrey Say, Guzman batted 2-2 with two runs scored. Aaron Kent received the win for HPU, improving his record to 3-0. Reliever Ben Starta was tagged with the loss for Southern Connecticut.
The nightcap was suspended in the bottom of the seventh inning due to darkness. Trailing 12-11 with the bases loaded and two outs, Spencer Omalza held a 1-1 count when the lights went out at Central Oahu Regional Park. The game will be completed tomorrow evening at 6:00 p.m. preceding the already scheduled game between the two teams.
March 19, 2007
Sea Warriors Break Into West Regional Top 10
Honolulu, Hawai‘i – The HPU baseball team received a #10 ranking in this week’s West Regional poll, as announced today by the NCAA. The Sea Warriors are currently 12-9 and in the midst of a five game win streak.
The top 10 ranking, HPU’s first of the season, comes at a critical time as they head to California later this week to take on two of the top teams in the region, fourth-ranked Sonoma State and fifth-ranked UC San Diego.
HPU will look to sweep their series versus Southern Connecticut State with games this Wednesday and Thursday at Central Oahu Regional Park. The Sea Warriors won the first five games of the series. First pitch of Wednesday’s doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m, with Thursday’s single game beginning at 6:00 p.m.
March 18, 2007
HPU Downs Southern Connecticut, Run Win Streak to Five Games
Waipio, Hawai‘i – A Central Oahu Regional Park, HPU defeated Southern Connecticut State 10-4. With their fifth consecutive win, the Sea Warriors improve to 13-9 while Southern Connecticut falls to 4-12.
Southern Connecticut struck first. Following a base hit by Jose Ortiz, Nick Czekaj delivered a homerun over the left field fence off HPU starter Turhan Folse for a quick 2-0 lead.
The Sea Warriors answered in the bottom of the first inning with five runs of their own to take a 5-2 lead. The major damage came from Spencer Omalza who laced a shot off the left center fence to drive in two runs. Omalza would finish the game hitting an outstanding 4-5 with three RBI. Owl Starter Greg Pellici lasted just one-third of an inning before being replaced by Will Hill.
HPU increased the lead in the fourth inning as they drove in four runs to take a 9-3 lead. Danny Lee began the scoring spree with a solo homerun over the left field fence. Following back-to-back triples by Johnny Gentry (3-5) and Tripper Chung (2-4), Paul Nishimura (2-2) singled to drive in the third run of the inning.
Despite struggling early, Turhan Folse (1-1) delivered arguably his best performance of the season in receiving the win. Folse pitched seven complete innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits. At one point, Folse retired ten consecutive Owl batters.
Czekaj perfomed well in the loss for the Owls, batting 2-4 with two RBI and one run scored.
HPU and Southern Connecticut will break for two days before resuming the series Wednesday, March 21. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 4:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
March 17, 2007
HPU Sweeps Southern Connecticut State, Runs Win Streak To Four Games
Waipio, Hawai‘i – At Central Oahu Regional Park, HPU won a pair of games versus Southern Connecticut State, 12-9 and 4-0. With the wins, the Sea Warriors improved to 11-9 and the Owls fell to 4-10.
As in game one a night earlier, HPU jumped on the board early with five runs in the first inning, taking an early 5-0 lead. Spencer Omalza delivered a three run homerun off of Owl starter Edward Bethke, his third on the season to lead the Sea Warriors. Omalza finished the game batting a perfect 2-2 with one run and a game high four RBI.
Southern Connecticut battled back with two runs in both the second and third innings to cut the lead to 6-4. Anthony Fiorillo (1-4) hit a two run homerun in the second inning, and Nick Chekaj (3-4) did the same in the third.
The Sea Warriors regained control in the fifth inning, knocking in four runs on six hits for a 10-4 lead. Johnny Gentry (2-3, 3 RBI) lined the ball past third baseman Jose Ortiz Jr.(1-2) driving in Colton Silva (2-3) and Mike Kealoha (2-3). Tripper Chung (2-4) followed Gentry’s single with a base hit to center field to drive in Danny Lee (2-3).
Southern Connecticut would make a game of it though, scoring three runs in the sixth inning on the heels of a two-out triple by Chris Barile. The Owls scored another two runs in the seventh inning, but it was not enough as HPU held on for the 12-9 victory. Kaimi Mead evened his record at 1-1, pitching 5.2 innings with three earned runs on seven hits and three strikouts. Mike Kealoha pitched one-third of an inning for the save, the first of the season for the Sea Warriors. Bethke received the loss for Southern Connecticut.
As in many double headers for the Sea Warriors this season, game two exhibited a quality pitching performance. David Chow dominated the Owl lineup, pitching a complete game eight-hit shutout. Chow improved his record to 2-0 with the win while starter Toby Nylin was tagged with the loss for Southern Connecticut.
In winning 4-0, HPU had to manufacture their runs. Leading 1-0 heading into the fourth inning, Johnny Gentry (1-2) singled up the middle then stole second base. Gentry then scored on a throwing error. One inning later, Geoffrey Say was walked home by relief pitcher Mike Conners, and Tripper Chung drove home Kealoha on a sacrifice fly to complete the scoring.
HPU returns to action tomorrow for a single game versus Southern Connecticut. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
March 16, 2007
HPU Sweeps Southern Connecticut
Waipio, Hawai‘i – At Central Oahu Regional Park, HPU swept a double header with the Southern Connecticut Owls. HPU evened their record at 9-9 while SCS dropped to 4-8.
HPU dominated game one jumping on the scoreboard right away, as a series of walks, errors, and hit batsmen led to a four run inning. A base hit up the middle by Johnny Gentry served as the only hit in the inning as HPU entered the second inning leading 4-1.
HPU continued their onslaught in the third inning, again capitalizing on Owl errors and another hit batsman. In the inning, Southern Connecticut committed three errors and would finish the game tallying six errors. Zachary Parnell did the work for the Sea Warriors, batting 2-3 with three RBI and a run scored. Gentry (2 runs and 2 RBI) and Tripper Chung (one run and 2 RBI) also hurt Southern Connecticut from the plate.
Starter Cruz Hatanaka received the win for HPU to improve to 2-0 on the season. Josh Terletcky received the loss for the Owls.
Runs were much harder to come by in the nightcap. Starters Nick Carlucci (SCS) and Jason Shimizu (HPU) both pitched complete games with Shimuzu garnering the 4-1 victory. Shimizu (3-1) delivered one of his best performances of the season. In pitching seven innings, he allowed only one run on five hits while striking out eight Owl batters.
Both teams got on the scoreboard in the first inning. Following a double to left field by Mike Kealoha, Colton Silva drove him in with a base hit to tie the score. After a run in the fourth inning to take a 2-1 lead, HPU tacked on two more runs an inning later to run the lead to 4-1 to complete the scoring. Kealoha (2-2) doubled once again, this time out to left field, and was again driven in by a base hit by Silva. Silva finished the game batting 2-2 with two RBI. Michael Diaz was stellar on the day for Southern Connecticut. For the double header, he batted 5-8 with three runs.
HPU returns to action tomorrow to face Southern Connecticut State in another double header matchup. First pitch is set for 1:00 p.m at Central Oahu Regional Park.
March 10, 2007
Sea Warriors Drop Two To Grand Canyon
Waipio, Hawai'i - In the final day of the seven game series, HPU fell twice to Grand Canyon, 5-2 and 19-7.
With game two resuming from last night’s rain out, Tristen Blalock (0-3) stepped to the plate facing Chase Masuda with Grand Canyon leading 3-1. Neither team would reach base in the inning, but the Antelopes returned to form in the fifth, as they drove in two runs on four hits to increase the lead to 5-1. Three straight hits including an RBI double by Dan Colella (2-3) lead to Antelope runs.
The sixth inning saw HPU come alive at the plate. A base hit by Colton Silva (1-3) drove in Mike Kealoha (1-1) from second to cut the lead to 5-2. The Sea Warriors would not be able to muster any more runs, as Dillon Guzman, pinch hitting for Zach Parnell (0-2), was thrown out trying to steal second to end the game.
Starter Daniel McDonald (0-2) received the loss for the Sea Warriors, and Ben Corser recorded the win for the Antelopes.
Game two saw GCU score early and often en route to a 19-7 victory. The Antelopes did their most damage in the first inning, as six runners came across home plate. The big blow came on a three run home run by left fielder Jacob Hanna. Hanna finished the game 3-5 with three runs and three RBI.
Despite a six run inning for the Antelopes, HPU immediately found themselves back in the game. Following a lead off double by Geoffrey Say (1-4) and a base on balls for Kealoha (0-2), Silva (2-4) drove a Steve Lux pitch over the left field wall to cut the lead to 6-3.
The rest of the game belonged to Grand Canyon. Five GCU batters hit safely on multiple occasions with Hanna and Brian Evans (3-5, 2 runs, 2 RBI) doing much of the damage. Paul Nishimura played well in the loss for the Sea Warriors, batting 3-5 with three RBI. Lux received the win for the Antelopes, with Kyle Moloney (0-1) collecting his first loss of the season for HPU.
With the loss, HPU falls to 7-8 on the season. GCU improves to 11-10. HPU will have nearly a week before their next game, as they take on Southern Connecticut State Friday, March 16. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
March 9, 2007
Sea Warriors Win Streak Over at Seven Games
Waipio, Hawai'i - At Central Oahu Regional Park, HPU (7-7) saw their seven game win streak snapped by Grand Canyon University (10-10). GCU won game one of the doubleheader 14-2, with game two suspended due to rain.
Turhan Folse (HPU) faced off against Patrick Lawler (GCU) in game one. Scoring was at premium early, as Andrew Sramek’s RBI single served as the game’s only run. The Sea Warriors entered the fourth inning holding a 1-0 lead.
The Argos bats would then come alive, as Cody Johns (3-4) hit a two-run homerun the opposite way over the right field fence. GCU would tack on three more runs in the sixth inning. Brian Evans (3-3) and Steve Lux (1-2) both drove in runs to increase to a 5-1 Antelope lead.
HPU appeared to make a game of it in the bottom of the sixth, as Colton Silva smacked his first homerun of the season to cut the lead to 5-2. Silva would finish the game hitting 2-3 with one run scored and one RBI.
The floodgates would then open for GCU, as they drove in nine runs to take a 14-2 lead. Johns hit his second homerun of the game, a grand slam shot again over the right field fence putting GCU up 14-2 to end the scoring. Folse (0-2) was credited with the loss but pitched solidly, giving up just two runs on five hits in 4.1 innings. Lawler received the win for the Antelopes.
The nightcap was suspended in the fourth inning due to inclement weather. Umpires called the game in the top of the fourth inning with GCU leading 3-1. Starters Daniel McDonald (HPU) and Miles Miller (GCU) will retake the mound with the game resuming tomorrow March 9 at 12:00 p.m., weather permitting.
March 8, 2007
HPU Sweeps Grand Canyon, Moves Above .500.
Waipio, Hawai‘i - On the heels of a doubleheader sweep, HPU moved over the .500 mark for the first time this season, as they improved to 7-6 by defeating Grand Canyon 4-2 and 9-2. With the loss, the Antelopes fall to 9-10.
Game one saw a bit of a rocky start for HPU starter Cruz Hatanaka, walking two GCU batters and giving up a single to Cody Johns. Cruz then struck out Brian Collela to end the inning and get out of the jam.
The bats came alive for both teams in the third inning, as the Antelopes took a 2-1 lead on the heels of an RBI double by Colella. HPU answered in the bottom of the inning with three runs of their own to regain the lead 4-2. The inning was highlighted by an RBI triple for Geoffrey Say (2-3), and an RBI double by Tripper Chung (2-3).
Hatanaka then settled in, holding GCU hitless the rest of the way. Hatanaka (1-0) earned his first victory of the season allowing two runs on five hits while striking out three GCU batters. Antelope starter Brian Broderick was credited with the loss.
In the nightcap, Jason Shimuzu took the mound for the Sea Warriors and delivered a solid performance. Throwing six complete innings, Shimizu (2-1) allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out five GCU batters.
The early going was nip and tuck, with the Antelopes scoring the game’s only run through three innings. In the fourth inning the Sea Warriors finally got on the board, and did so in a big way. HPU began the inning with six consecutive hits which included doubles by Mark Veneri (2-4) and Spencer Omalza (2-3).
The Sea Warriors continued their scoring spree in both the fifth and sixth innings to build a 9-2 lead going into the top of the seventh inning. Chase Masuda recorded a 1-2-3 inning in relief of Shimizu to seal the win. Four Sea Warriors recorded multiple hits, with Johnny Gentry and Colton Silva leading the way, both batting 3-4.
HPU and GCU face off once again tomorrow at Central Oahu Regional Park. First pitch of the double header is set for 4:00 p.m.
March 7, 2007
Sea Warriors Win Two Thrillers, Defeat Grand Canyon
Waipio, Hawai‘i – After a rocky start to the season, the Sea Warriors have run off five straight games, as they improved to 5-6 on tonight’s double header sweep of Grand Canyon University (9-8). With the games played at Central Oahu Regional Park, HPU came from behind to win both games on their last at bat, each at 5-4 scores.
Game one saw GCU jump on the Sea Warriors early, as they went on top 4-0. The major damage was done in the third inning, when Cody Johns (1-3) smacked a double to right center off of starter Spencer Omalza scoring two GCU runs and capping a three-run inning. Omalza figured in a no-decision on the game. Antelope starter Ben Corser cruised through the first three innings, allowing only two Sea Warrior hits. But in the fourth inning, their bats finally came alive. RBIs by Johnny Gentry (1-3) and Tripper Chung (2-3) led to two runs to cut the score to 4-2.
With the score 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh, HPU began their rally. Michael Kealoha (3-4) hit a two-out singled up the middle, driving in Zachary Parnell (2-3) for the game-tying run. Then with Kealoha having advanced to second, Danny Lee (2-4) ripped a pitch down the left field line, driving in Parnell for the game winning run.
Aaron Kent (2-0), pitching in relief of Omalza, recorded the win for the Sea Warriors. Josiah Ziegler, also pitching in relief, was tagged with the loss for the Antelopes.
Sea Warrior heroics would show up again in the night cap. This time it was HPU who jumped on GCU with two runs scored by Parnell (1-4) and Lee (1-4) in the third inning. In the sixth inning, the Antelopes appeared to be in great shape to split the double-header, as Cody Johns (3-5) singled through the left side of the infield, driving in two runs for a 4-3 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, however, Colton Silva (1-5) drove in Mike Kelley to send the game into extra innings.
With the game moving into the 10th inning, Dan Colella put the Antelopes ahead once again on a wild pitch by Mark Veneri, racing in from third base. But HPU would counter as Ziegler, pitching in relief again, gave up the game winning single to Johnny Gentry (5-6) driving in Geoffrey Say.
Veneri (1-1) was credited with the win, pitching in relief for David Chow and Kealoha. Ziegler, pitching in relief of Brandon Evans and Raul Rojas, once again received the loss.
February 27, 2007
Sea Warriors Sweep Patten University
With a tough start to the season, a win streak is exactly what the Sea Warriors needed. HPU swept the Patten University Lions today, 12-6 and 5-1, out at Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio, Hawai‘i. With their third consecutive win, the Sea Warriors improve to 3-6 and the Lions fall to 5-12.
Game one began with a bit of rocky start for the Sea Warriors. In the first inning, HPU committed two fielding errors leading to a 1-0 lead for the Lions. In the bottom of the first, the Sea Warriors responded by scoring three early runs. The hitting spree continued in the third inning with five Sea Warrior runs, as they jumped ahead 8-2. With no outs, a fielding error by Patten allowed Johnny Gentry to safely reach first and load up the bases. Paul Nishimura then crushed a pitch over the left field wall for a grand slam. Both teams would tack on four runs a piece to complete the scoring. HPU finished the game with 17 base hits.
In relief of starter Cruz Hatanaka, Aaron Kent (1-0) pitched four scoreless innings to record the win. Gentry delivered a solid performance, batting 3-5 with two runs scored and three RBI. Brandon Boyd was the pitcher of record for Patten, allowing five earned runs on eight hits. Similar to yesterday, the nightcap featured two solid pitching performances. Both starting pitchers went the distance, as David Chow (1-0) allowed one run on five hits while striking out eight Lion batters. Jonathan Dec (Patten) allowed five runs on six hits in the loss.
In the second inning, the Sea Warriors scored two runs with Paul Nishimura and Colton Silva each recording a base hit and an RBI. Silva batted a perfect 3-3 with one run and one RBI. Patten would cut the lead to 2-1 in the fifth inning, as Andy Harris (1-2) delivered a two-out single, driving in Jonathan Overall (1-3) to slice the lead in half. The Lions would score no more, as HPU dropped three more runs to complete the scoring and the double-header sweep.
The Sea Warriors return to action Tuesday, March 6, as they host the first of a seven-game set versus Grand Canyon University. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
February 26, 2007
HPU Splits With Patten, Earns First Victory
It took some time and a lot of hard work, but HPU earned their first victory of the season in a double-header split with Patten University out at Central Oahu Regional Park. After dropping game one 11-7, HPU (1-6) took the nightcap 3-2. With the split, the Patton University Lions improve to 5-10.
Game one saw a solid offensive performance from the Sea Warriors, but also series of errors which eventually cost them the game. HPU jumped to a 3-1 advantage after two innings highlighted by a double and a run scored by Tripper Chung (3-4). In the top of the third, Patten would unload with five runs. Jonathan Overall began the scoring with a lead-off homerun.
The next four innings saw each team score twice, until the Lions broke the game with three runs in the eighth inning. Two fielding errors and a wild pitch led to two unearned runs, eventually costing the Sea Warriors the game. Kevin Cheechov picked up the win for the Lions, giving up seven runs on 11 hits in five innings of work. Mark Veneri (0-1), pitching in relief of starter Spencer Omalza, was the pitcher of record for the Sea Warriors allowing two runs on one hit in three innings of relief.
A pitching duel and a fantastic finish was the story of the nightcap. Jason Shimizu (1-0) had his stuff working as he pitched a complete-game four-hitter, allowing two runs and striking out a career high 10 Patten batters. James Doss pitched 6.1 innings in the loss, allowing three runs on six hits. Patten, looking for the sweep, jumped on top in the second inning on the heels of Derek Luque’s two-run homerun. Shimizu would settle down, allowing no runs and just two hits the rest of the way.
Shimizu appeared to be in trouble in both the sixth and seventh innings, as Patten put two runners in scoring position but were unable to score. Sea Warrior coach Garret Yukumoto decided to leave Shimizu in the game, a move that paid dividends. In the bottom of the seventh, a one-out pinch hit triple by Paul Nishimura drove Mike Kelley home for the tying run. Following a Geoffrey Say walk, Michael Kealoha laced a ball to left center field, driving in the game winning run.
HPU meets Patten once more tomorrow in another double-header. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
February 17, 2007
HPU Defeats Sea Warrior Alumni
HPU defeated their alumni in the first annual alumni event. The two Sea Warrior opponents faced off at Central Oahu Regional Park in Mililani, Hawai‘i, with the varsity scoring early and often en route to a comfortable win.
The varsity (0-5) returns to action on Monday, February 26 as they take in visiting Patton University. Following a season opening series versus Chico State, HPU will be returning from a nearly three-week break from collegiate action. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
February 5, 2007
Fundraiser Dinner Set For February 16th
Head baseball coach Garett Yukumoto announced his 2007 fundraiser dinner will take place on Friday, February 16th at the Japanese Cultural Center at 2454 Beretania Street.
The $50.00 buffet dinner, which helps benfit the baseball program at HPU will also include a silent auction, musical entertainment and an address by KHON2 sportscaster Kanoa Leahey. For more information, please call the HPU athletics department at 356-5214 or to view the flyer.
February 3, 2007
Wildcats Sweep In Series Finale
The Cal State Chico Wildcats showed why they are the third-ranked team in the country, taking both games of today's doubleheader against HPU, 6-3 and 10-1, completing the series sweep at Central Oahu Regional Park.
The young Sea Warriors came out swinging in game one, taking the early lead with two runs in the bottom of the first on RBI-singles from Danny Lee and Spencer Omalza. Sea Warrior starter Jason Shimizu looked strong through the first four innings, but ran into trouble in the fifth as the Wildcats plated four runs on three hits to take a 6-2 lead.
HPU (0-5) added a run in the eighth on another run scoring single by Lee, but it was as close as they would get, as Marcus Martinez tossed a perfect ninth for his second save in the series. Lee and Johnny Gentry each batted 2-4 for HPU, while Robby Scott (3-5), Daniel Code (2-5) and Lorin Nakagawa (2-4) each had multiple hits for Chico (5-0).
In game two, Chico's Kyle Gibson tossed a complete game five-hitter for his first win of the season. Aaron Demuth and Joe Finn provided the offense, each hitting home runs, as the Wildcats pounded out 11 hits in the game. The Sea Warriors avoided the shutout getting an RBI-double from Gentry in the bottom of the third inning. He finished the nightcap 2-3 to lead HPU.
February 2, 2007
HPU Swept By Wildcats
Looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss last night, the HPU men's baseball team struggled offensively, as they dropped both games of their double header with Cal State Chico at Central Oahu Regional Park.
The third-ranked Wildcats erupted for five runs in the second inning in the continuation of last night's suspended nightcap to take game one, 7-4. They completed the sweep with a 10-4 win in the nightcap, improving to 3-0 on the season. The Sea Warriors fell to 0-3.
HPU held a 1-0 lead to begin play in the opener, but after an RBI single by Casey Smyth, Chico took the lead on a groundout, and extended it with three more unearned runs in the inning. After the Wildcats added another run in the fourth, the Sea Warriors made some noise in the sixth, getting an RBI single from Tripper Chung, a sacrifice fly from Andrew Sramek and a bases lodaded walk from Paul Nishimura, cutting the lead to just two runs.
Chico would plate an insurance run in the seventh however, and Marcus Martinez sealed the game in the bottom of the inning, retiring HPU in order for his first save of the year. Billy Spottiswood picked up the win in relief, and Cruz Hatanaka took the tough loss, allowing just two earned runs in six innings of work. Danny Lee and Colton Silva paired hits for HPU, while Greg Finazzo, Aaron Demuth, Casey Smyth and Jesus Luna all had two hits for Chico.
In the nighcap, HPU scored twice in the fourth on consecutive hits from Chung, Lee and Silva to take the early lead. The Wildcats responded however, plating three runs in the second, and adding seven more over the next four innings to take control of the game. Chris Bodishbaugh earned his first win of the year, while Spence Omalza took the loss. Chung (2-4), Silva (2-4 2 RBI) and Michael Kealoha (2-4 RBI) paced the Sea Warriors at the plate, while Honolulu native Lorin Nakagawa drove in three runs for the Wildcats.
The teams close out the series in another double header tomorrow, with first pitch set for 2:00 p.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.
February 1, 2007
Sea Warriors Drop Opener To Cal State Chico
On a cold and wet night in Waipio, the HPU baseball team fell in their season opener, 9-5, to third-ranked Cal State-Chico at Central Oahu Regional Park. Nick Bryant went five strong innings for the Wildcats to get the win, while Kevin Matsumoto took the loss for the Sea Warriors.
Chico (1-0) started the game with a bang, as leadoff hitter Greg Finazzo parked a Matsumoto fastball over the left field fence for the early lead. The sophomore would settle down from there, but in the fourth inning after a walk to Casey Smyth, Mililani native Lorin Nakagawa extended the Wildcat's lead to 3-0 with a two-run shot, chasing Matsumoto from the game.
HPU (0-1) would get on the board in the fifth on an RBI-groundout from Geoffrey Say, scoring Tripper Chung who singled to lead off the inning. In the seventh, the Wildacts broke the game open, plating four runs on three hits, getting a big two-run single by Smyth with the bases loaded.
Chico would add runs in the eight and ninth innings, but the Sea Warriors made it interesting in the bottom of the ninth, erupting for four runs on a double by Chung, and also taking advantage of two Wildcat errros. Chung finished 3-4 with two runs and an RBI in his Sea Warrior debut, while Spencer Omalza matched him with three hits in five at-bats.
In the nightcap, the Sea Warriors took an early 1-0 lead heading into the second inning when the heavy rains came, forcing the game to be called. Weather permitting, the game will be made up tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. with another game to follow.
