HONOLULU— The University of Hawai'i baseball team returned to Les Murakami Stadium for the first time since April 10th but ran into issues on a rainy Friday evening, falling to Cal State Fullerton, 7-0.
The Rainbow Warriors (18-19, 11-8) dropped their first Friday Big West opener nearly a month when they fell to UC Santa Barbara on April 1st. The Titans (17-22, 10-6) notched their third consecutive Friday conference opener, mirroring the 'Bows as their last Friday loss was also on April 1st against CSU Bakersfield.
As the rain fell in Manoa, Halemanu (2-4) struggled in the opening innings with the elements, and the Titans capitalized with three runs in the second inning, followed by another run in the third. As the rain subsided, Halemanu settled in for back-to-back clean innings.
Walks were an issue for Halemanu throughout the evening as he surrendered six before being pulled in the sixth inning when he ran into trouble again. CSF tacked on two more runs, ending Halemanu's 11th start of the season as he went five innings, allowed six runs, five earned, and gave up seven hits.
In the seventh inning, the Titans picked up another run, giving them a 7-0 lead. Three Titans recorded multi-hit games, with left fielder Jason Brandow leading the way with a 3-for-4 night, all singles. Collectively, CSF picked up 10 walks from the 'Bows pitching staff.
The 'Bows' offense picked up six hits on the night as sophomore catcher Dallas Duarte recorded two of those hits, including his ninth double of the season.
Sophomore second baseman had an off-night at the plate and had his 13 game hit streak come to an end, it was the longest by a Rainbow Warrior this season.
The 'Bows and Titans will be back on Saturday with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. HT with Blaze Li'i Pontes taking the mound to faceoff with Evan Yates. Before the game, UH will welcome back the 1980 team, coach Les Murakami, and Derek Tatsuno as a part of the "Legends" weekend for a pregame ceremony.
#HawaiiBSB