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HONOLULU – Starter Kyle Von Ruden showed few flaws on the mound Friday night in leading the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (10-13) baseball team past Santa Clara (9-11), aided by heavy run support in the 8-1 victory at Les Murakami Stadium.

The Rainbow Warriors gave Von Ruden a sound advantage from the opening stanza, as senior center fielder Matt LoCoco let the Broncos know early that the 'Bows weren't content with Thursday's outcome, firing a leadoff single back at the feet of Santa Clara ace starter Mitchell White, sparking UH to a big opening inning.

Shortstop Jacob-Sheldon Collins shot a backside double down the third base line to join him on base, and third baseman Johnny Weeks pulled everyone out of position on an RBI single to the right side of the infield. Two pitches later, first baseman Eric Ramirez added numbers to the lead with a two-run double in the right center alley, pushing the UH advantage to 3-0 after the first inning.

Silenced for three innings, the 'Bows added to the lead as rookie catcher Kekai Rios showed seasoned composure, facing bases loaded with two outs in the fifth and finding a seam up the middle on White's 100th pitch, tacking up two more runs as Marcus Doi and Ramirez crossed the plate.

Held to a single base hit through the first five innings, the Broncos were able to generate some offense in the top of the sixth, but Von Ruden and the 'Bows were able to limit the damage. Santa Clara recorded consecutive singles to open the inning. After a double steal, Grant Meylan ended the 'Bows' shutout, touching home on TC Florentine's RBI groundout, trimming the UH lead to 5-1.

Retiring white in his shortest appearance of the season, the 'Bows responded in a big way against the SCU relievers. Up against Peter Hendron, LoCoco led off with a walk and Sheldon-Collins followed with a single. Ramirez tabbed his second double of the night to scratch LoCoco across.

Forcing the Broncos to their second reliever, Luke Martin-Resnick, Doi added an RBI single and designated hitter Chayce Ka'aua capped off the scoring with an RBI groundout for the 8-1 advantage in his first appearance since a hand injury against New Mexico on Feb. 19.

Working his way to a complete game victory, Von Ruden (3-1) went 9.0 innings with only three hits and one run, striking out five without a single walk.
Taking the loss, White (2-3) was relieved after 5.0 innings, giving up season highs of nine hits and five runs, striking out a season-low five batters with two walks after coming in with only five reaching base on balls.

The 'Bows ramped up to the tune of 14 hits against the Broncos in game two, paced by Ramirez and Sheldon-Collins, both hitting 3-for-4 on the night. Ramirez added three RBI and two runs, while Sheldon-Collins scored twice. Rios also went 2-for-4 with two RBI and LoCoco scored twice.

The Rainbow Warriors and Broncos return to action on Saturday at Les Murakami Stadium for a rubber match in game three with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m.