Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Game 1 - Fresno Pacific 4, Hawaii Hilo 3
Game 2 - Fresno Pacific 3, Hawaii Hilo 2 (7 innings)

Fresno Pacific continued to lean on its pitching as the Sunbirds swept a doubleheader from PacWest opponent Hawaii Hilo 4-3 and 3-2 on Wednesday to improve to 8-3 on the season (3-1 PacWest).

After defeating the Vulcans 13-0 in game one of the series on Monday and suffering a tough 5-4 loss in game two, the Sunbirds came back to grind out two closely-contested games.

"Hilo's a tough team and Coach Estrella does a good job," said head coach Oscar Hirschkorn. "For us to sweep today and win the series was big. That's what it's all about in conference play. It was ugly at times, but the guys found a way and that's what's most important."

Wilson Ashford went seven innings for the win in game one, giving up one earned run and striking out seven before Chris De La Torre worked two innings for the save. Bobby Mendoza, Kyle Coppom and John Koretoff, each went 2-for-4 in the win.

"Wilson was phenomenal today," said Hirschkorn. "I liked what I saw out of him today as the game wore on when he was tested and getting fatigued, he still finished strong. He pitched tough and I really liked how he commanded the inside part of the plate today. That was the difference."

Game two featured some end-game drama as Hawaii Hilo had the tying run on second base with two outs in the top of the seventh. Hilo's Austin Cusack singled to right but FPU right fielder Devin Lee threw out the runner at home plate after a great scoop and tag by catcher Brett Bishop.

Josh Medeles made his season debut on the mound, going five innings and striking out five while giving up two runs. Anthony Cantu earned the win out of the bullpen and Ryan Cheek picked up the save. Lee and Koretoff both finished 2-for-3.

Medeles had battled some minor injuries in the preseason, preventing him from making a start until today, but shook off the rust for a good outing.

"He was great," said Hirschkorn. "That's not his best stuff but even today without his best stuff he was still sharp. He didn't have the kind of great command that he usually does, but he got it done."

The Vulcans fell to 3-9 on the season (2-6 PacWest).

FPU is back in action this Saturday for a doubleheader at regionally-ranked Sonoma State.