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IRVINE, Calif. - The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (9-17) baseball squad fought the UC Irvine Anteaters (12-10) every moment of Friday's (March 27) Big West opener, but UCI carried an early run and capped it off late, shutting out the 'Bows with a strong defensive performance, 2-0.

UH starter LJ Brewster was a little around the zone early, allowing leadoff hitter Mikey Duarte to reach on four straight pitches in the first, moving to second on a fifth stray pitch. Right fielder Cameron Bishop cashed him in with an RBI double.

While Brewster quickly settled, the damage was done, as he and the 'Bows went head to head with UCI's ace left-hander, Elliot Surrey, who held Hawai'i despite seven baserunners and the 'Bows going hit-for-hit with the Anteaters.

After six scoreless innings, UCI gained another opportunity and were able to capitalize, as Bishop's replacement, Ryan Cooper, brought home the insurance run with a safety squeeze on his sac bunt to go ahead 2-0 in the eighth.

Finishing off a gem of a performance by striking out the side in the ninth, Surrey (3-2) secured the complete game shutout and the win, allowing six (6) UH hits and one (1) walk, while striking out seven (7).

Despite a solid outing in which he also went the distance, Brewster (3-3) takes the loss for UH, allowing seven (7) hits and both runs, walking two (2) and striking out three (3).

Recent returnee Marcus Doi has a great day at the plate, hitting 3-for-4 to lead the 'Bows. Defensively, the performance at shortstop by Jacob Sheldon-Collins was commendable and aided the 'Bows in keeping the typically-big-hitting Anteaters' scoring in check.

With the loss, the 'Bows fall to 9-17 and 0-1 in Big West play. The 'Bows and Anteaters return to action tomorrow (March 28) at Anteater Ballpark in the second of the three-game conference series. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m. PT (10:00 a.m. HT) and will be broadcasted live on ESPN3, as well as NBC Sports 1500 AM on the radio.