HONOLULU – Hawai'i gets set to host a crucial early season Big West series against No. 15 UC Santa Barbara Friday through Sunday at Les Murakami Stadium.
The Rainbow Warriors head into the weekend at No. 9 in the RPI as they get set to take on a Gaucho squad that won the conference title in 2024. UH trails the all-time series, 27-24, with the home team sweeping the series each of the last two years.
| HAWAI'I (12-4, 1-2 Big West) vs. #15 UC SANTA BARBARA (14-2, 3-0 Big West) |
| Dates & Times |
Friday, Mar. 14 -- 6:35 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 15 -- 6:35 p.m.
Sunday, Mar. 16 -- 1:05 p.m. |
| Location |
Honolulu, O'ahu -- Les Murakami Stadium |
| Radio |
CBS 1500 (Fri., Sat.) | ESPN Honolulu (Sun.) |
| TV/Live Stream |
None |
| Live Stats |
Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
| PDF Notes |
Hawai'i | UC Santa Barbara |
| Social Media |
@HawaiiBaseball  | @Hawaiibsb  |
| Projected Rotations |
Hawai'i
Friday -- RHP Itsuki Takemoto (1-2, 3.22)
Saturday -- RHP Liam O'Brien (2-0, 0.00)
Sunday -- TBD |
UC Santa Barbara
Friday -- RHP Tyler Bremner (1-0, 3.44)
Saturday -- TBD
Sunday -- TBD |
HEAD COACH RICH HILL
At Hawai'i: 106-64, 4th season
Collegiate Record: 1,185-802-4, 38th season
SERIES VS. UC SANTA BARBARA
UCSB leads, 27-24
Last Meeting: UCSB won series, 3-0 (Apr. 12-14, 2024 in Santa Barbara)
DID YOU KNOW?
Liam O'Brien is currently the only pitcher in the country to have thrown at least 20 innings this year and allow fewer than five hits. He still has not allowed an earned run and leads the nation with a 0.00 ERA and hits allowed/9 innings (1.69).
WALK-OFF WARRIORS
The Rainbow Warriors have had a flair for the dramatic through the first 16 games, leading the nation with four walk-off wins. UH won two games on opening weekend vs. Marshall and walked off once each in the other two series against Wichita State and Northeastern
Draven Nushida delivered the game-winner on opening night while
Shunsuke Sakaino came through in game three against the Thundering Herd.
Elijah Ickes and
Matthew Miura have provided the game-winners in the last two walk-offs.
MAINTAINING MOMENTUM
One of the hottest teams in the country to end last year, Hawai'i has continued that momentum into the new season. UH has won 28 of its last 33 games dating back to April 21 of last year, giving them the third-best record in the country over that span. The Rainbow Warriors' .844 winning percentage trails only defending national champion Tennessee (44-6) and Big West champion UCSB (34-6).
MANOA MAGIC
Through the first month of the season, Hawai'i has continued its strong play at home highlighted by a number of wins in close games. Despite having a 16-game home winning streak earlier this year, the Rainbow Warriors are still 25-3 in their last 28 home games dating back to April 2 of last year. UH has walked off four times in its first nine games at Les Murakami Stadium this year and has won five games when tied or trailing at any point in the sixth inning or later.
COMING UP CLUTCH
The Rainbow Warriors have come through in clutch situations so far in 2025, putting up strong numbers with two outs and with runners in scoring position. UH has scored 51.8 percent (57-of-110) of its runs with two gone in an inning while hitting .368 as a team with two outs. The 'Bows are also batting .359 with runners in scoring position, 61 points higher than their overall team batting average.
TROPICAL SWARM
After leading the nation in ERA a season ago, the Hawai'i pitching staff is again off to a strong start in 2025. UH is third in the Big West and 32nd nationally with a 3.58 ERA while ranking in the top 50 nationally in WHIP (26th), hits allowed per nine innings (30th) and walks allowed per nine innings (47th). The Rainbow Warriors' pitching depth has also been on display early on, as 16 different arms have made at least three appearances while 10 different pitchers have gotten a win.
