FRESNO, Calif. – Fresno Pacific and Hawai'i Pacific split the opening pair of a four-game series at Dan Martin Stadium Saturday, after a three-hour delay in field preparations following a severe 48 hours of rain across the central valley. The games, originally supposed to close the series, instead were the openers after Friday's doubleheader was postponed to Sunday. The Sunbirds (11-14, 6-12 PacWest) and Sharks (12-11, 10-8 PacWest) came into the series heading in complete opposite directions, as FPU had lost seven of their previous eight compared to HPU who were winners of six straight.
GAME ONE
Game Summary
Hawai'i Pacific dominated Fresno Pacific in a high-scoring affair, breaking out for 15 runs on 12 hits while taking advantage of Fresno Pacific's four defensive errors. The Sharks steadily built their lead, scoring in all but two innings, including a seven-run outburst in the final three frames to secure the victory.
Fresno Pacific, on the other hand, struggled to produce offensively until the later innings, scoring all but one of their seven runs in the sixth and ninth innings. Despite a brief rally attempt, they were unable to match Hawai'i Pacific's firepower.
It was a rare game on defense for the normally stout Sunbirds, who lead the PacWest in fielding percentage and have allowed the fewest errors. The 'Birds are banged up, and were without regular infielders – and RBI leaders –
Aaron Martinez Jr. and
Tejean Smith who are both recovering from injuries.
Scoring Breakdown
Hawai'i Pacific:
- Scored in seven different innings (3rd to 8th).
- A five-run seventh and a four-run eighth sealed the game.
- The team took advantage of Fresno Pacific's four errors, drawing 10 walks and stealing four bases.
Fresno Pacific:
- Held scoreless for the first five innings before a five-run sixth started by an Austin Cappas solo shot to right.
- Added single runs in the seventh and ninth but never came close to overtaking Sharks.
Key Players & Performances
Hawai'i Pacific
- Noah Blythe (RF): 3-5, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 1 SB
- Daniel Johnson (1B): 1-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, triple
- Bronson Rivera (LF): 2-4, 2 RBI, 1 SB
- Noah Hata (CF): 2-4, 2 runs, 1 RBI, double
Fresno Pacific
Pitching Performances
Hawai'i Pacific:
- Jacob Vanek (W, 1-0): First start of the season, came into the game pitching 11 innings across eight games. Went 5.1 innings allowing 4 earned runs.
- The bullpen allowed three more runs but held a comfortable lead.
Fresno Pacific:
- Josiah O'Bannon (L, 3-3): Struggled early to find control, allowing multiple base runners.
- Four pitchers combined to allow 15 runs (11 earned) on 12 hits and 10 walks.
Final Thoughts
Hawai'i Pacific's consistent offensive pressure and Fresno Pacific's defensive miscues defined the game. FPU should chalk up their play on defense as a bad day at the office, as they're normally one of the PacWest's most formidable sides. The visitors executed a well-rounded offensive performance, utilizing walks, timely hits, and aggressive base running to dismantle the 'Birds and win their seventh straight ballgame.
GAME TWO
Game Summary
The Sharks got out to an early lead thanks to a three-run homer in the first inning. The 'Birds would respond with seven runs in the second to take a four-run lead, but the resilient visitors would tie it up after the fourth. Three more runs in the sixth would be enough to secure the win for the Sunbirds and the doubleheader split.
Henderson and Rosales would pick up where they left off in game one, combining for four hits and three RBIs. The teams would combine for three triples, for a total of six in the pair of games. Neither starting pitcher was able to command the game like they would've hoped for, but FPU was able to get a strong bullpen performance in the 7-inning game two.
Gavin Enns, filling in at second base for Henderson who's covering shortstop for Smith, had a day with clutch hitting and baserunning, and was sharp in the field late snagging a hard-hit grounder to deny the visitors to cut into their lead.
Scoring Breakdown
Hawai'i Pacific:
- Opened game with three-run shot from Bronson Rivera off starter Tim Ruiz.
- Added four runs off six hits in the third and fourth innings to tie the game.
- Took reliever Cameron Gallardo deep to lead off the seventh but flamed out attempting to take the lead.
- Kept the battery on their toes with five stolen bases.
Fresno Pacific:
- Only scored in two of their six innings at-bat, but were able to plate 10 in those two innings.
- Answered the Sharks emphatically in the second, scoring seven runs off four hits, four walks, and a wild pitch in a dominant offensive explosion.
- Pinch hitter Garrett Perkins, with two outs and one aboard in the sixth, managed to draw out a long at-bat before eventually walking and igniting a three-run rally to give the Sunbirds the lead they needed to secure the win.
Key Players & Performances
Hawai'i Pacific:
- Bronson Rivera: 3-4, 1 HR, 3 RBIs, 3 runs, 1 triple,
- Tyler Arnold: 2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBIs
- Troy Harding: 1-4, 1 RBI, 1 SB
Fresno Pacific:
Pitching Performances
Hawai'i Pacific:
- Jett Ah Sam (Starter): 1.2 innings, 6 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 1 K
- Conor Hourig (L, 1-4): 4.1 innings, 4 ER, 7 H, 3 BB, 6 K
Fresno Pacific:
- T. Ruiz (Starter): Gave up an early lead but settled down briefly before being pulled after 2.2 innings for Jake Turley.
- C. Gallardo (W, 1-0, S, 1): Pitched three innings, giving up two hits, just one run, and fanning four. A strong, veteran performance out of the 'pen from the fifth-year senior that should give Coach Oscar Hirschkorn some confidence down the stretch.
Final Thoughts
This game was a battle of momentum swings, with both teams having big innings. Fresno Pacific's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and limit late damage proved to be the difference. HPU showed resilience, tying the game after trailing 7-3, but FPU's clutch hitting in the 6th inning secured the win. On a day where the starting pitching was especially shaky, it was encouraging to see the Sunbirds create some trouble with their bats.
UP NEXT
The 'Birds and Sharks will be at it again Sunday for the final two games of the four-game series.
Connor Semone is expected to start game three for the Sunbirds. First pitch of game one is set for 1pm, with both games available live on the
PacWest Network.
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