Jackson Rees pitched seven shutout innings to boost the University of Hawaii baseball team to a season-opening 4-0 victory over Air Force before 1,712 at Les Murakami Stadium on Friday night.

It was the first time the ’Bows won on opening night since 2013.

The Falcons led the nation in batting average (.344) last season. But Rees kept them off balance with a fastball and cutter. Rees struck out six while allowing six hits and one walk.

With UH leading 3-0, freshman right-hander Cade Smith got the first two outs of the eighth, but then gave up a walk and a hit. UH coach Mike Trapasso summoned Dylan Thomas, who got the final four outs. Thomas was 9-for-9 in save opportunities as a second-year freshman last year.

Designated hitter Chayce Ka‘aua, third baseman Ethan Lopez and left fielder Johnny Weeks each had two hits for the ’Bows.

The teams meet at 6:35 p.m. Saturday in the second game of this four-game series.