On the bright side Wednesday, University of Hawaii at Hilo’s pitchers were a model of efficiency against Holy Names.
On the bright side Wednesday, University of Hawaii at Hilo’s pitchers were a model of efficiency against Holy Names.
If only they could have helped with their bats. The Vulcans’ anemic offense overshadowed the good work done on the mound in 1-0 and 3-0 losses in Oakland, Calif.
“We’re just not getting it done,” first-year coach Kallen Miyataki said. “Pitching is keeping us in the game, but when we get runners in scoring position, we’re not coming through. We even tried the short game.”
UH-Hilo (10-17, 8-12 Pacific West Conference) failed to score in the final 30 innings of the baseball series and plated only one run in four losses.
The Vulcans mustered just seven singles in 18 innings Wednesday, hit. 127 and drew only one walk. No runner reached third base.
That wasted a fine effort by UH-Hilo pitchers, who had a sterling 16-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio but nothing to show for it.
“It’s always frustrating when you get close,” Miyataki said. “All in all, I’m taking the positives. We can get better, even on the mound. I’m proud of the kids.”
Starter Jordyn Ah Chong (1-3) worked 4 2/3 innings in the first game and combined with Sheldon Shishido on a five-hitter. Seamus Yoneshige (0-4) struck out six in 5 1/3 innings in his start.
Right fielder Will Thayer went 2 for 3 in the first game, but the Hawks (14-16, 4-12) used three pitchers, led by Luis Briseno (1-0), who went six innings. Matthew Dufford singled in a run in the fifth for the game’s only run.
Zachary Korte (3-2) followed with a three-hitter for Holy Names, striking out six. Zach Verlaan was 4-for-4 and drove in two runs.
UH-Hilo visits Dixie State for doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday in St. George, Utah.
Game 1
UH-Hilo 000 000 000 — 0 4 1
Holy Names 000 010 00x — 1 5 1
Game 2
UH-Hilo 000 000 000 — 0 3 1
Holy Names 101 001 00x — 3 10 0
SOFTBALL
Victoria Lievanos drove in three runs and Nicole Nobbe and Tiffany McIntosh each hit home runs Wednesday to lead Cal State San Bernardino to a 9-1 win against UH-Hilo to complete a sweep.
In the opener of the nonconference softball doubleheader in San Bernardino, Calif., the Coyotes prevailed 7-5.
“Tough day after yesterday at UCSD,” UH-Hilo head coach Jaime Wallin said. “We struggled to recover physically and mentally today, and San Bernardino took advantage. We have a couple of days before Azusa Pacific. Hopefully we can get some rest and recover, and be ready for Saturday.”
In Game 2, CSSB (18-13) jumped to a 2-1 lead and plated five runs in the third inning, then closed the scoring with two more runs in the fifth to record the TKO victory.
Lievanos, Nobbe and Mary Menicucci had two hits apiece for the Coyoyes. Kristina Victa and Jillian Martinez each had two hits for the Vulcans (17-15), who were coming off a sweep of No. 19 UC San Diego on Tuesday.
Brandy Morin (1-0) pitched three innings and earned the win. She gave up four hits and a run.
UH-Hilo starter Hannah Peterson (6-6) took the loss. She went 2 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and seven runs.
In Game 1, CSSB exploded for six runs in the second inning and held on to beat the Vulcans.
Kaylie Drew had three hits to lead UH-Hilo while Rebecca Lee and Amanda Lara each had two hits.
Ashley Nelson (10-8) started and pitched only 1 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and seven runs in the loss.
Stephanie Luhman (8-6) started for the Coyotes and went 6 1/3 innings to get the win.
UH-Hilo plays a PacWest doubleheader at Azusa Pacific at noon Friday. The Lady Vuls then host Hawaii Pacific on April 12 and Chaminade on April 13.
Game 1
UH-Hilo 000 103 1 — 5 10 2
CSSB 160 000 x — 7 11 1
Game 2
UH-Hilo 010 00 — 1 5 0
CSSB 205 02 — 9 10 1