Box Score Box Score (html)

HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i baseball team kept its winning ways, topping Saint Mary's College, 3-2, in their series opener on Friday night at Les Murakami Stadium. The Rainbows, winners of six of their last seven games, improved to 20-13 on the season while the Gaels dropped to 15-16.

Matt Sisto won his personal best sixth game of the season to improve to 6-3. He allowed two runs on five hits in seven complete innings of work, at one point retiring eight consecutive SMC hitters. Lawrence Chew worked a scoreless eighth and ninth innings for his first career save.

Collin Bennett led UH batting 2-3 with two RBI, scoring his second run in the fourth inning to regain the lead for Hawai'i. The Gaels tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the fourth inning, but Bennett and Breland Almadova both hit safely to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning. Bennett later scored from third on an errant SMC pick-off attempt at first base.

Gael pitcher Martin Agosta (5-2) was tagged the loss, tossing seven innings while surrendering two earned runs on four hits with eight strikeouts. Chris Murphy hit 2-4 with one RBI, and Cole Norton and Collin Fergusen both posted one hit and one run.

The Rainbows plated the game's first run when Max Duval (1 RBI) hit a shallow sacrifice fly to centerfield. Bennett tagged up from third to score and give UH the early lead.

The Rainbows added their second run one inning later. Stephen Ventimilia (1 H, 1 R) hit a blooper to centerfield, and later moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Kaeo Aliviado. After advancing to third on a fielder's choice, Ventimilia raced home on a wild pitch by Agosta.

SMC would not be outdone so easily, tying the game with two runs in the top of the fourth inning. Three straight base hits off Sisto led to the pair of runs, as Norton and Fergusen both scored to even matters.

There were 3,285 tickets issued for tonight's game, and a turnstile count of 2,136.

The Rainbows and Gaels continue their series Saturday. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.





                                                                                                        -UH-