| Box Score (HTML) | Game Highlights (Courtesy of OC Sports)

HONOLULU – No fan on hand at Les Murakami Stadium could say they didn't get what they came for in Saturday (March 14) night's game three of the series between the University of Hawai'i (7-12) and Oklahoma (14-8). Although the Rainbow Warriors twice rallied to a tie, sending the game deep into extra innings, the third push wasn't in the cards, as the 'Bows fell to the Sooners, 8-5, in the 12th inning.

Already a tight series, split at 1-1, the Sooners went to work early, tacking up the first run in the top of the second inning, setting the stage as second baseman Kolbey Carpenter's one-out triple to outer right field got past Jordan Richartz. Sooners left fielder Hunter Haley followed with an RBI groundout, and OU went ahead 1-0.

Although UH starter Kyle Von Ruden kept the Sooners at bay for the next two innings, Oklahoma extended its lead in the fifth as Chris Shaw reached second with a leadoff double that ricocheted off third baseman JJ Kitaoka into the outfield, moving over to third on a bunt single. The sooners scored the run, but the 'Bows rounded up the first of two double plays on the night, ending the frame down 2-0.

Held to just four hits through the first four innings, the UH offense came to life and capitalized on Sooner miscues. Left fielder Jonathan Weeks got the 'Bows moving, leading off with a single lined to center field, joined on base by catcher Chayce Ka'aua, who was hit by OU starter Jeffrey Curran. With two men on, shortstop Jacob Sheldon-Collins went for the sac bunt and got more, as Curran overthrew first base, allowing Weeks to cross the dish.

Feeling the pressure, Curran plunked center fielder Kaeo Aliviado to load the bases and the Sooners went to the bullpen for Ralph Garza, Jr. While Kitaoka hit into a double play on Garza's third pitch, the redshirt freshman evened the score at 2-2, scratching across Ka'aua for the run.

The Sooners didn't wait long to respond, as Carpenter got to Von Ruden again with a two-out double in the sixth, bringing home Anthony Hermelyn. Haley followed with a two-run homer into outer right field to extend the OU advantage at 5-2.

Garza settled in and contained the 'Bows for the next two innings, but Hawai'i capitalized on the introduction of reliever Thomas McIlraith, who walked the first two batters of the eighth before yielding to Jacob Evans. After securing the first two outs, Evans left a pitch up for Weeks, who tripled deep down the right field line, bringing in Alex Sawelson and Eric Ramirez for the one-run game. Ka'aua sent him home with an RBI single into left, knotting the score at 5-5.

The 'Bows went to closer Cody Culp and a pitching duel with Evans ensued, extending into extras and four scoreless innings. Sub Joshua Ake reached second in the top of the 12th after moving over on a sacrifice bunt, and came home on a Sheldon Neuse single, with Taylor Alspaugh making it two on an errant relay throw on the play. Neuse capped off the inning, reaching the plate on a Hermelyn double.

Despite a leadoff walk and subsequent single, the 'Bows came up empty in the bottom half, ending a nailbiter in the 12th inning with UH falling, 8-5.
After throwing a near-career high three (3.0) innings of relief, Culp (0-1) takes the loss for UH, allowing three (3) hits and three (3) earned runs, while striking out one (1) and walking (2).

For Oklahoma, Evans (3-0) earned the win on five (5.0) innings of work, allowing three (3) hits and one (1) earned run, striking out one (1) and walking one (1).
At the plate, Weeks proved to be a key in the close nature of the gate, hitting 2-for-4 with two (2) runs scored and two (2) RBI. Ka'aua added another RBI and scored once on 1-for-4 hitting as well.

The series between the Sooners and Rainbow Warriors wraps on Sunday (March 15) at Les Murakami Stadium, with first pitch slated for 1:05 p.m. The game will not be televised. However, the finale will be broadcast on ESPN Honolulu, 1420 AM.

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