Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Fresno Pacific's lineup delivered 20 hits on the night and got a record-setting game from Baron Bower but a bullpen implosion in game one and lack of offense in game two proved to be the difference as the Sunbirds were edged out 11-10 (10 innings) and 2-1 (7 innings) by Hawaii Pacific.

The Sea Warriors (8-1, 3-1 PacWest), ranked #7 in the NCAA Division II West Region, took three out of four games in a PacWest opening series that saw all four games decided by just one run.

"I thought offensively we had the bats going all game," said centerfielder Baron Bower. "They were just matching us hit for hit and run for run. We just didn't finish; didn't make the pitches we needed to make. We didn't come up with the clutch hits when we needed to and they did."

Bower provided a bright spot on the day for the Sunbirds, stealing five bases in the first game and breaking the program's single-game stolen base record set by former infielder and current assistant coach Matt Souza in 2010.

FPU (6-7, 1-3 PacWest) jumped on the HPU pitchers early and often in the first game, pounding out 15 hits in the game and building up an 8-3 lead heading into the eighth inning.

"I thought we did a good job offensively," said head coach Oscar Hirschkorn. "I think our approach has gotten better. We were aggressive, we were able to stick with a plan and a good approach and we put runs up on the board."

Things began to unravel from that point however as the Sea Warriors scored four runs in the top of the eighth. The Sunbirds would be just one strike away from victory, holding a 10-7 lead going into the bottom of the ninth, before surrendering a three-run game-tying homer to HPU's Chad Bolibol. HPU then tacked on a run in the top of the tenth and held on for the win.

"It's one of those situations where you just have to tip your cap to the other side," said Hirschkorn. "The guy put a great swing on a pitch and it was a game-changer. It was a frustrating one because we were right there for the win, but that's our challenge right now: establishing our bullpen. I thought Drew Merlo was outstanding in today's start and it's not that we don't have good bullpen arms, we just have to do a better job at making pitches."

Michael Hostetler went 4-for-6 in the first game while Joshua Banuelos and Bower each added three hits. Banuelos added three RBI including a triple that was misplayed in the outfield allowing him to score on the play. Merlo went 7 1/3 innings for FPU, giving up four earned runs and striking out seven. Josh Medeles took the loss, while Pulama Silva earned the win for HPU.

In game two, the Sunbirds got a quality start from Eian Raeber, who went seven innings giving up four hits and allowing just one earned run while striking out seven in his season debut as a starter. Doug Christie tossed a complete game to earn the win for HPU.

FPU continues PacWest play at home next weekend, taking on Hawaii Hilo for a four-game series beginning with a Friday doubleheader at 4 pm.

"This is a great club and one of the most focused groups of guys I've been around," said Hirschkorn. "I'm confident things are going to click for us."