IRVINE, Calif. - The Golden Eagles faced the Vulcans from Hawai'i Hilo in a four game series with the first two games being on Senior Day, April 19 and the final two games of the series on April 21. The Golden Eagles celebrated 14 seniors this past Saturday, and split these games with the first game being in favor of the Vulcans 12-2 and the second game in favor of the Golden Eagles 8-4.
On the final day of the series, the Golden Eagles swept the Vulcans in two close games, by final scored of 7-6 and 5-3.
SENIOR DAY: GM 1 and 2
CUI 2, UHH 12
The Vulcans struck first early in the first inning, making the score 2-0. Kaipo Haole came through in the clutch with a pair of RBI singles, driving in both of CUI's runs and flashing his ability to deliver under pressure. Nicolas Erickson and Cameron Slessor also reached base multiple times, helping CUI rack up 7 base runners in the final three innings
CUI 8, UHH 4
After a heartbreaker in game one, the CUI baseball team responded with exactly the kind of energy you'd want to see — clawing back from an early deficit and storming past Hawai'i Hilo with an 8–4 victory in game two of Saturday's doubleheader.
The Vulcans struck early with two runs in the first, but the Golden Eagles answered quickly. A lead-off single by Isaiah Walz followed by a sac fly from Wyatt Madison got CUI on the board, and in the second inning, Jordan Bolden lit a spark with a two-run home run that gave the Eagles a 3–2 lead.
Hilo tied the game in the sixth with a solo homer, but Concordia's offense erupted in the bottom half of the frame — and never looked back.
Niko Santamaria once again showcased his impact, drawing a walk, stealing two bases, and crossing the plate on Nicolas Erickson's clutch RBI single. That kick-started a five-run rally where Walz added another RBI single, and Madison came through with a 2-RBI base knock to cap off the inning. CUI jumped ahead 8–3 and held on from there.
Isaiah Walz led the way offensively, going 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored, while Madison finished with three RBI and Bolden's second-inning bomb shifted the game's momentum.
APR 21st: GM 3 and 4
CUI 7 , UHH 6
In a dramatic finish to Game 3 of the series, CUI stormed back with a four-run rally in the bottom of the ninth to stun Hawai'i Hilo, 7–6, and secure a walk-off win at home.
Isaiah Walz started off the game strong with a triple to right center, and eventually scored thanks to a sacrifice fly from Landry Spitler.
The Vulcans responded in the top of the second inning with two runs, and then scored in the following two innings making the score 6-1 by the end of the fourth inning. There was a response from the Green and Gold in the bottom of the fifth inning,
Makamae Du Pont had a defensive gem at first base, where he dove towards the mound and caught a pop fly saving possible key runners from advancing and scoring.
The Vulcans appeared in control for most of the afternoon, jumping out to a 6–1 lead after four innings behind timely hitting. But the Golden Eagles chipped away, capitalizing on defensive miscues in the fifth to close the gap to 6–3. Then came the fireworks.
Here's how the ninth inning unfolded:
- Spitler was hit by a pitch to lead off.
- Madison singled to move him up.
- After a walk to Bolden and an HBP to Santamaria, the Eagles cut the Vulcans lead it to 6–4.
- Erickson delivered the game's biggest hit—a 2-RBI double to left to tie it at 6.
- With runners at second and third, Kaipo Haole lifted a sacrifice fly to center, allowing Santamaria to cross the plate and walk it off for Concordia.
CUI 5, UHH 3
The final game of the season at Golden Eagles Field ended in a back-and-forth battle where CUI edged out Hawai'i Hilo 5-3 in a game marked by timely hitting, small ball execution, and a few costly defensive miscues. Hilo jumped ahead early in the second inning, scoring three runs . However, CUI quickly responded with two runs of their own in the bottom half, capitalizing on a passed ball and an RBI groundout from Isaiah Walz to even the score.
CUI grabbed the lead in the third inning when Jordan Bolden scored on a single by Kaipo Haole, who had a strong day at the plate. Haku Dudoit added an insurance run in the sixth with a base hit to right, bringing home pinch runner Cameron Slessor. Despite a solid offensive start, the Vulcans were ultimately stifled by CUI's bullpen and defensive adjustments. The Golden Eagles' ability to execute on the bases and limit damage in key moments sealed the win as they held on through a scoreless final frame.
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