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

HONOLULU—The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (21-27, 12-10 Big West) baseball squad opened up with a tough series-opening loss to the Cal State Fullerton Titans (29-22, 14-5 Big West) to begin the final home series of the 2015 campaign, running up against a complete game shutout performance by CSF starter Thomas Eshelman, 4-0.

Typically a fast starter, Hawai'i's LJ Brewster had a challenging, extended opening frame in which the Titans drove his count to 44 pitches before retiring the side. However, despite the trouble, Brewster escaped with only a single run allowed, as designated hitter David Olmedo-Barrera started a big outing on an RBI double to initiate the scoring. Walking three batters, Brewster evaded a bases-loaded threat by striking out Timmy Richards to close the frame.

After the early trouble, Brewster settled in and held the Titans through four scoreless innings. However, Jerrod Bravo led off the sixth reaching base as a hit batter. He went on to score, sliding underneath a Chayce Ka'aua tag after shortstop Jacob Sheldon-Collins fired back to the plate on a soft grounder.

Tanner Pinkston extended the CSF lead to three runs on an RBI double to the right center wall in the seventh and Olmedo-Barrera capped off the scoring and a 3-for-3 day in the ninth, launching a home run off Alex Hatch that passed by the mid-point of the right field light poles—the first homer hit in Les Murakami Stadium since March 21.

The 'Bows scapped out five hits counter to Eshelman's pitch locating, but were unable to move past first. A preseason All-American, Eshelman (7-5) went the distance on 107 pitches, earning the complete game shutout victory. He struck out 12 on the night.

Brewster (6-5) takes the loss for Hawai'i, throwing 5.2 innings, allowing four (4) hits and two (2) earned runs, issuing three (3) walks and striking out three (3).
Eric Ramirez captured the only multi-hit performance for the 'Bows, hitting 2-for-4 in Friday's contest.

The loss likely ends the Rainbow Warriors' bid for Big West title contention, snapping a six-game win streak over conference foes.

The Rainbow Warriors and Titans return to action on Saturday at 8:05 p.m. at Les Murakami Stadium. The game will be televised live on OC Sports TV with Jim Leahey and Pal Eldredge, and broadcast on ESPN Honolulu 1420 AM with Don and Scott Robbs.