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Jeff Van Doornum hit a bases-clearing triple during a seven-run fourth inning to help Hawaii defeat San Jose State 8-2 on Thursday night at Les Murakami Stadium.
Hawaii (28-20, 13-4 Western Athletic Conference) remained three up in the loss column on Fresno State, but perhaps more importantly, stretched its lead over the third-place Spartans (31-19, 9-8) to four with seven to play.
The top two teams receive first-round byes in the WAC tournament starting a week from Wednesday in Mesa, Ariz.
Matt Sisto (4-4) picked up his first win in a month, allowing two runs on seven hits in seven innings with two walks and a strikeout.
Roberto Padilla (8-5) allowed six runs on five hits in 3 1/3 innings with five walks and three strikeouts.
Both teams had eight hits.
The series continues with a doubleheader on Friday beginning at 3:35 p.m.
