WAIPAHU, Hawai'i — Hawai'i Pacific University freshman Blake Flint scattered three hits in eight innings and sophomore reliever Van Stone pitched a perfect ninth as the Sharks shutout Augustana (S.D.) 3-0 Saturday afternoon at Hans L'Orange Field.
 
The Sharks (4-1) and Vikings (1-4) played the contest in a rapid one hour, 55 minutes to close the five-game series to open the season for the NCAA Division II teams.
 
"Blake had an outstanding performance today," said HPU head coach Garett Yukumoto. "And our offense took advantage of what they were given to be in control throughout."
 
HPU plated their first run in the opening inning after junior shortstop Ryan Torres-Torioka of Holualoa, Hawai'i/Konawaena singled with one out, then promptly stole second and third. Junior third baseman Wyatt Hoppe of Orange, Calif./Villa Park followed with a sacrifice to drive in Torioka.
 
The Sharks added two more in the third after centerfielder Tanner Tokunaga of Pearl City, Hawai'i/Pearl City doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Torioka was hit by a pitch, then stole second. Hoppie grounded to Viking second baseman Alex Beals who threw it away allowing Tokunaga and Torioka to score.
 
Then it was up to Flint, who allowed hits in the third, fourth and sixth inning, but held the Vikings in check for his first win of the year.
 
Van Stone came in for a 1-2-3 ninth with two strikeouts for his first save.
 
HPU has some time now before playing again. The College of the Science of Philadelphia is next up for the Sharks with a five-game series starting on Friday, Feb. 17 at Hans L'Orange Field.