HONOLULU – Itsuki Takemoto delivered an impressive performance as the Hawai’i baseball team opened their series against UC Davis with a 7-2 victory at Les Murakami Stadium, which was packed with fans.
For the first time this season, head coach Rich Hill started Takemoto both as a pitcher and a designated hitter. He excelled, pitching a career-best seven innings, striking out seven batters and allowing no walks. To top it off, he hit a crucial two-run double in the fifth inning.
This win brought the Rainbow Warriors’ home record to an impressive 25-3 over their last 28 games. The sold-out crowd marked the fourth of the season, matching last year’s total, and it was the fourth consecutive Saturday night sell-out.
Hawai’i quickly got to work, giving Takemoto some runs to work with. Jared Quandt ignited the offense with a three-run triple early in the game, establishing a 3-0 lead.
UC Davis made a comeback with a two-run homer in the fourth, narrowing the gap to 3-2. However, the Rainbow Warriors responded in the fifth inning. Ben Zeigler-Namoa hit an RBI single, and soon after, Takemoto’s two-run double pushed the score to 6-2.
Matthew Miura had a standout game, going 4-for-4 at the plate with two runs scored and a double, while Quandt added two hits and three RBIs. The top five batters in the UH lineup contributed significantly, going a combined 9-for-13 and driving in seven runs.
Additionally, shortstop Jordan Donahue returned to the lineup after an early-season injury, providing an added boost to the team.
Looking ahead, the Rainbow Warriors will face the Aggies again on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at Les Murakami Stadium.
Recent statistics show the importance of home-field advantage in college baseball. According to a 2023 NCAA report, teams with strong home records tend to perform better in overall standings, often leading to higher rankings in postseason play. This underscores how crucial every game at home can be for teams like Hawai’i aiming for success this season.
Fans and analysts have taken to social media to express their excitement about Takemoto’s dual role and the team’s overall performance. Many are hopeful that this energetic start can translate into a successful season ahead. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the Rainbow Warriors capitalize on their home advantage and build on this momentum.
For more information on college baseball statistics and trends, you can check the NCAA’s official site here.
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