Thursday, February 9, 2006

NORTH GEORGIA AND HAWAII PACIFIC SPLIT DOUBLE HEADER

Honolulu, Hawaii – Back in action for their second series of the year, the HPU baseball team split their first two games against the visiting North Georgia College and State University. The Sea Warriors won game one 8-7, and the Saints took the nightcap, 9-6. 

Sea Warrior starter Mario Ramirez allowed five runs in the first three innings, but got some help from his offense, as HPU put up six runs of their own through the first three frames. Tied at 7-7 in the bottom of the seventh, Dillon Guzman was hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. After a walk to Ryson Mauricio, Michael Kealoha's fielder's choice scored Guzman to end the game. Ikena DuPont got his first win of the year in two innings of relief. Colton Silva batted 2-3 for HPU, while Gavin Concepcion and Danny Lee each had two RBI.  Justin Rickett hit a three-run home run in the first inning for the Saints. 

In the nightcap, freshman Kevin Matsumoto looked good in his second start for the Sea Warriors. Matsumoto went three shutout innings, but in the fourth made his only mistake of the game, allowing a three-run triple to Kyle Potts, as the Saints put four runs across in the inning. In the fifth, NGCSU added five more runs off Matt Burson and Anthony Aquino to take a commanding 9-0 lead.  Down to their final three outs, HPU showed some pride and rallied for six runs, to avoid the shutout, but more importantly giving them some momentum heading into tomorrow's doubleheader.  Jherell Miller (2-3, 2B), Adam Arakawa (2-2, 2RBI), and Silva (2-4, 3B) each paired hits for HPU.  Rickert again went deep for the Saints, a two-run shot in the fifth inning.

The teams square off again tomorrow at Han's L'Orange Park for another twinbill.  First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m.  They conclude their six-game series on Saturday, with their final doubleheader set for an 11:00 a.m. start. 

Box Score, Game 1

Box Score, Game 2

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