Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 WAIPAHU, Hawaii (February 27, 2016) –
Brandon Van Stone spun a complete-game gem to buoy the Hawaii Pacific baseball team's doubleheader sweep of Concordia University Irvine, winning 10-1 in the opener and claiming the return matchup 9-4 (7 inn.), to conclude a four-game series at Hans L'Orange Park.
The wins also helped 11
th-year skipper
Garett Yukumoto, who is the program's winningest coach, collect his 300
th victory as HPU head coach. His coaching record now stands at 300-199-1.
The Sharks (11-3, 3-1 PacWest) leaned on Van Stone (2-0) who went the distance in the first game, scattering eight hits and striking out four without allowing an earned run. The hurler lost his shutout bid in the ninth when shortstop
Tyler Tokunaga mishandled a grounder at shortstop that should have been converted for the final out.
HPU scored nine of its 10 runs across the sixth and seventh innings, including three runs via first baseman
Nolan Barraza's bases-clearing triple to right.
Steven Camberos,
Austin Inabata and
Reid Akau drove in two runs apiece as the Sharks racked up 11 hits.
The home team chased Concordia starter Morgan Brannock (0-1), who surrendered four runs through six innings then pummeled reliever Joe Ehlert, who gave up six runs in the seventh frame.
In the second game, Barraza and designated hitter
Jordan Mopas collected 2 RBI apiece as HPU posted 11 more hits. Sharks starter
Matthew Gunter (1-0) picked up the win after his squad scored nine runs in the first four innings, allowing the hurler to work around 7 hits and 4 runs allowed.
The Eagles (5-11, 1-3) received 2 hits and 2 RBI from outfielder Chad Whiteaker in the finale.
The Sharks are aiming to improve on their 27-20 record from last year, which included a 17-15 mark in conference play. HPU was picked to finish seventh in a very competitive 10-team PacWest Conference via a preseason vote by league coaches.
HPU returns to Hans L'Orange Park on March 7 (4/7:30 p.m.) and March 8 (4/7:30 p.m.) for pair of PacWest doubleheaders against Point Loma.
