IRVINE, Calif. – The CUI baseball team is playing Hawai'i Pacific in a rare week day match-up starting Tuesday. Although the Golden Eagles split on the day Stewart came up clutch knocking the first grand slam of the season for CUI making it a day to remember.
 
Game 1: CUI 11, HPU 3
 
The Concordia University Irvine baseball team erupted offensively in an 11 run performance. Production came from nearly every spot in the lineup powered by a relentless lineup attack and timely hitting throughout the game.
 

Leading the charge was second baseman Dylan Knowles who delivered a near-perfect day at the plate. Knowles went 4-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI setting the tone at the top of the order and consistently applying pressure on the HPU pitching staff.

 
Makamae Du Pont added to the offensive surge going 3-for-5 while driving in a run and scoring once. In the middle of the lineup Ian Stewart made his presence felt in a big way. The catcher went 1-for-4 and made it count by hitting a grand slam driving in four runs to provide the knockout blows that broke the game open.

 
Nolan Caira was equally impactful going 2-for-3 with two runs scored and two RBIs. Center fielder Sawyer Voortman contributed three hits crossing the plate once and driving in another run to keep the line moving. Landry Spitler added energy from the bottom half of the lineup scoring twice.

 
On the mound Michael Panichi got the start and earned his first win of the season. He tossed five innings allowing just four hits and one earned run while striking out four.  Luis Ricardo Acevedo and Riley Ricken came into the game as relievers. Ricken closed the door to secure his first save of the season delivering 3.2 scoreless innings with four hits allowed.
 
Game 2: CUI 1, HPU 15
 
Jayden Daya started on the bump and struck out five over three innings. The bullpen trio of Luka Brancato, Troy May, and Evan Moyer combined to cover the final four innings.
 

Cooper Marinelli led the way with a 2-for-3 performance tallying two singles. Jordan Bolden added a hit while Du Pont, Caira, Spitler, and Voortman each chipped in with one hit apiece.

 
The lone run came courtesy of a clutch RBI from Drew Hall in a pinch-hit appearance. Christian Garcia later delivered a spark off the bench as well going 1-for-1 and scoring the Golden Eagles only run.
 


The Golden Eagles and Hawai'i Pacific will finish their series four game series Wednesday Feb. 18 with 1 p.m. and approximately 4:30 p.m. start times.

 
To see the full CUI baseball schedule click HERE.