HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i baseball squad (26-23, 8-14 BWC) dropped its series opening game against UC Santa Barbara (24-30, 8-14 BWC) to open Senior Weekend, as the Gauchos long ball via first baseman Austin Bush proved deadly in Thursday's 7-2 loss at Les Murakami Stadium.
 
The Gauchos bumped up their hitting early against starter Brendan Hornung, carrying three consecutive singles in the third to a 1-0 advantage, as Dempsey Grover scored from third base. With two men aboard, UCSB slugger Bush hit a towering home run down the right field line – his 19th of the year and a school record – to dig the 'Bows into a four-run deficit. A Kenny Corey RBI made it 5-0 and left UH looking for a rally.
 
After UCSB tacked up another run in the top of the fifth on a second Bush home run, the Gauchos put an end to senior starter Brendan Hornung's final outing for the 'Bows.
 
In response, the Rainbow Warriors were finally able to strike in the home half of the frame. Designated hitter Chayce Ka'aua reached second on an error as the leadoff batter and Dylan Vchulek followed with a one-out single. Shortstop Dustin Demeter made the chance count, drilling a two-run single through the left side, trimming the UCSB advantage to 6-2.
 
Working in relief of Hornung, left-hander Matt Estes got the job done for season-long 2.1 innings, including working out of a bases-loaded jam with no damage, while facing no outs in the seventh. However, one run would score on his watch, as he exited the game with runners on the corners. Tommy Jew went on to score on a Grover sacrifice bunt in the eighth, extending the lead to its final margin of 7-2.
 
Hornung (6-6) tossed 5.0 innings of his final appearance, giving six runs on seven hits, with four strikeouts and two walks. UCSB starter Noah Davis (7-4) earned the win, going 6.0 innings with two runs on three hits.
 
Demeter hits 1-for-3 while batting in both of UH's runs.
 
The Rainbow Warriors and Gauchos return to action for game two of the series on Friday. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. at Les Murakami Stadium.