The HPU Sharks baseball team got its 2024 campaign off to a perfect start over the weekend, and netted PacWest Team of the Week honors in the process.
As part of a mini tournament held on O'ahu, the Sharks opened their season with two victories each over CS East Bay and CS Los Angeles. HPU scored a combined 37 runs in the four-game slate stemming from nine doubles, six home runs and nine stolen bases. In the process, HPU toppled the teams picked to finish fourth (CSUEB) and fifth (CSULA), respectively, in the CCAA.
Third-year skipperÂ
Dane Fujinaka's team dealt with delays and game-time changes caused by heavy rains and dispatched the Pioneers, 4-2 and 13-4, as well as clipping the Golden Eagles, 5-3 and 15-11.Â
Chase Taylor led the Sharks at the plate with a 6-for-13 weekend that included seven RBI, five runs scored and two home runs. On the bump,Â
Mac Leisher notched two appearances in relief and picked up two wins. In total, he pitched 5 2/3 innings of effective relief, allowing four hits and striking out five without walking a batter.
The Sharks will set their sights on Hilo as the squad travels to Hawai'i Island to take part in another mini tournament with non-conference games against Chaminade, UH Hilo and Saint Martin's (Washington).Â