WAIPAHU, HI (March 14, 2013) – The Hawai'i Pacific Baseball Team (17-4, 8-1) slugged 23 hits in Thursday's doubleheader against Dixie State (11-6-1, 4-5-1), and the pitching was excellent as well, surrendering just nine hits.HPU took game one 8-0 and then the nightcap as well, 7-3.

Joshua “Rico” Garcia got the start in game one and was brilliant. Garcia threw strikes and attacked the Red Storm lineup racking up eight strikeouts in seven innings while walking just one batter. The freshman right-hander scattered three hits and did not allow a runner past second base.

Although Garcia wouldn't need it, HPU provided plenty of run support. The Sea Warriors posted two runs in the first inning featuring an RBI double from Kale Sumner. HPU would add two more runs in the third inning thanks to RBI hits from Jordan Oshiro and Jordan Inamasu. HPU made it an 8-0 game with three runs in the fourth that saw Marvin Campbell drive in his 23rd RBI of the season on a double.

Then the bizarre happened. The Dixie State coach decided at some point that the game was out of reach, and asked if the game could be shortened to seven innings. It was agreed upon, and today featured a rare doubleheader with two seven inning games.  

Oshiro had a huge game from his leadoff spot, he went 3-4 with two RBI and a run scored. Sumner, Campbell, and Russell Doi each had two hits and a RBI.

Dixie State struck first in the second game with a run in the first inning. It wouldn't last. HPU tied the game in the bottom of the inning on a RBI double from Keanu Kapana. HPU took control in the second inning, striking for four runs. HPU had five hits in the inning, including RBI hits from Oshiro, Sumner, and Campbell.

Dixie State scratched out another run in the third and another in the sixth to keep it somewhat close. The Red Storm brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the seventh, but Pulama Silva came into slam the door and pickup the save.

Michael Murray was the game two starter and had a solid outing. The reining PacWest Pitcher of the Year gave up one earned run in five innings of work. He struck out eight while surrendering five hits and three walks.

Oshiro kept his hot night going with a 3-3 game two. He added another RBI and two more runs scored. Campbell added two more hits and an RBI.

The two teams will close the series tomorrow at 4:00 PM at Hans L'Orange Park.

Shark Bites: Today's sweep ensures that HPU at minimum takes the season series from Dixie State, and HPU is going for the sweep tomorrow…Dixie State is ranked 4th in the West Region by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and is among “other receiving votes” in the NCBWA Top 25 poll…The Sea Warriors are ranked 7th in the West Region poll.

Game One Box Score
Game Two Box Score