IRVINE, Calif. – After leading the way offensively and delivering a number of clutch hits, Hawai'i infielder
Shunsuke Sakaino earned Big West Player of the Week honors following his first weekend in a Rainbow Warrior uniform.
Sakaino hit .583 (7-for-12) over the four-game series, driving in seven runs while scoring five and tallying three doubles. He delivered a walk-off single in Saturday's 7-6 win, smacking a ball through the left side of the infield with the bases loaded and no outs to give UH its second walk-off win of the weekend.
The transfer from CSUN also came through in the clutch in Friday's comeback victory, delivering a clutch two-run double in the sixth inning to pull Hawai'i within two runs. Sakaino drove in multiple runs in three of the four games, also coming through with another two-run double in the second inning of Sunday's win to help break open a close game.
The native of San Diego is currently tied for the Big West lead with his seven RBIs while his three stolen bases are also tied for the conference lead. Sakaino is the first Hawai'i player to earn Big West Player of the Week honors since
Stone Miyao claimed the recognition following the final week of the 2023 season.
