IRVINE, Calif. – The CUI baseball team started Saturday earlier than normal time trying to miss the rain coming in the afternoon and to get the two games scheduled in on Saturday. The teams were able to play both games and HPU took control of both games winning the series 3-1.
 
Game 1: CUI 7, HPU 13
 
Although the Sharks scored in the first inning the Golden Eagles answered with three runs in the bottom of the second with help from Haku Dudoit, Michael Mira, and Shane Wallace. HPU scored in the last five innings as they could not be stopped in the batters box and took a 13-4 lead.
 
Pinch hitters came into the bottom of the ninth to get things going for the Green and Gold with Kaipo Haole started the inning off with a single through the left side. David Baruch III and Niko Santamaria walked to load the bases. Jake Schulz came up to the plate and brought in an RBI with another walk. Sawyer Voortman contributed with a sac fly and Connor Laeng came in and and was the last RBI single in the game to earn the Golden Eagles seventh run.
 
Right hander Riley O'Sullivan started on the mound and went 5.2 innings allowing eight hits and three runs while striking out three. Wyatt Madison, Jordan Bolden, Ryan O'Toole, and Matthew Williams all came in from the bullpen to pitch the remaining game.
 
Game 2: CUI 0, HPU 9
 
Brett Finnel was the starting pitcher for game two and had three strikeouts. Finnel allowed five hits and six runs before Scott Wood would take the mound. Richie Kingsborough and Jason Rhodenbaugh came in to close out the game and went a combined 2.1 innings.
 
Not only did Madison pitch last game but he was the designated hitter for the second game and led CUI going 2-for-3 with two singles. Baruch came in to pinch hit and for catcher Owen Gott and singles to the shortstop.
 
HPU continued their momentum into the second game and would go on to score four runs in the fourth followed by another three the next two innings. The Sharks pitcher was dominant on the mound and only allowed three Green and Gold hits.
 
The Golden Eagles move to fifth in the conference and need to stay within top five in order to advance into the PacWest tournament. This upcoming series will be crucial for CUI as they will be on the road to take on Fresno Pacific starting Friday Apr. 19 with times 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
 
To see the full CUI baseball schedule click HERE.