Hawaii baseball routs UC Riverside to open Big West series
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Hawaii outfielder Ben Zeigler-Namoa hits an RBI single on March 29.
The Hawaii baseball team broke out new black caps and then broke away to a 17-5 rout of UC Riverside today at the Riverside Sports Complex on the UCR campus.
Shortstop Elijah Ickes and first baseman Ben Zeigler-Namoa each drove in four runs to fuel the Rainbow Warriors’ 15-hit attack. The ’Bows also drew 12 walks against eight Highlander hurlers, who unleashed five wild pitches.
Ickes’ two-run home run, his first of the season, gave the ’Bows a 4-3 lead in the third inning.
The Highlanders went ahead 5-4 with two runs in the bottom of the third. But Ickes and Zeigler-Namoa each had two-run singles in the fourth for an 8-5 lead the ’Bows would not relinquish.
The ’Bows also received clutch pitching and defense. The ’Bows turned double plays to escape bases-loaded jams in the scoreless sixth and seventh innings. Four UH relievers did not allow an earned run a combined seven innings.
By winning the Big West opener, the ’Bows improved to 11-2 overall, matching their best start since 2021. The series continues with games Saturday and Sunday, both starting at 10 a.m. Hawaii time.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
