WAIPI'O, Hawai'i – In the final tune-up before beginning Pacific West Conference, the Hawai'i Hilo Baseball team split a four-game weekend series with Chaminade at the Patsy T. Mink Central O'ahu Regional Park.

The Vulcans captured victory in both seven-inning affairs to cap Saturday's and Sunday's doubleheaders while the Silverswords managed to put together late-game comebacks to squeeze by for two wins.

"I think we can be as much prepared as we want — I mean, we still have a lot of issues we have to figure out — but I think we're in a positive direction and we'll see how we do from there," Hawai'i Hilo head coach Kallen Miyataki said. "I'm optimistic about it. Always have to look for the positive."

GAME 1: HAWAI'I HILO 6 - CHAMINADE 7

• The Silverswords managed to plate five runs through the seventh and eighth innings to overtake the Vulcans. Two errors, a walk and a passed ball led to two runs scored by Chaminade in the bottom of the seventh made it a 6-4 game. An inning later, the Silverswords managed to cash in with RBI hits to take a 7-6 advantage.
• Hawai'i Hilo had an early 5-0 lead starting with a two-run homer by Blake Tweedt in the second inning.
• Eamon Velarde got the start, going 5.0 innings with four strikeouts but three walks and two unearned runs allowed.
• Vance Oshiro batted 3 for 5 with one putout and two assists at second base.

GAME 2: HAWAI'I HILO 9 - CHAMINADE 6 (7 INN.)

• Oshiro again went 3 of 5 at the plate, this time cashing in with two RBI for both the Vulcans' opening score in the first inning and the game-winning run on a two-strike hit in the sixth.
• The Vulcans again jumped ahead for a 5-0 lead, plating four runs on four hits in the opening frame of the game.
• Chaminade managed to put together a three-run fourth inning to tie the score on three hits and aided by a dropped third strike with two outs.
• Silverswords threatened late getting three runners on base via walks in the final half-inning, but Jake Liberta was able to settle in and retire all three outs with the 'K.'
• James Yamasaki got the win on the mound, throwing 2.1 innings of relief work with three strikeouts and no runs allowed.

GAME 3: HAWAI'I HILO 5 - CHAMINADE 6 (10 INN.)

• After going an extra inning with the score knotted up at 4-all, Hawai'i Hilo rallied to bring in a go-ahead run on a Kein Iwata sacrifice fly after Mason Cook stole third base to get into prime scoring position.
• Jackson Dorn pinch hit to lead off the bottom of the 10th and managed to hit a solo homer to tie the score back up at 5-5. A double and a wild pitch later allowed Cato Kleinman to bring in the game-winning walk-off run with an RBI single.

GAME 4: HAWAI'I HILO 5 - CHAMINADE 3 (7 INN.)

• This game was a reverse of the previous three with the Silverswords taking a 3-0 lead through five innings before the Vulcans rallied late to earn the victory.
• Arthur Soto built momentum in the sixth with a solo shot over the left field fence.Soto finished the series batting 7 of 14 (.500) with three RBI, two doubles and four runs scored.
• Making his first start of the season at catcher, Reece Kadota led off the top of the seventh with a base hit. Bradyn Yoshida pinch hit and continued the rally with a single to the outfield. Bryce Tweedt cashed in with an RBI single and Yoshida later stole third base before dashing home on the overthrow to tie the game at 3-3.
• Cody Min — who also batted .500 (7 for 14) through the weekend — continued the rally with a base hit before attempting a delayed steal to draw the throw down to second base, allowing Bryce Tweedt to score for the game-winning run. Min then scored on a fielder's choice to put the Vulcans up 5-3.
• Aaron Davies got the start and went the distance for his third-career complete game, notching five strikeouts and no walks allowed.

UP NEXT

Hawai'i Hilo moved to 7-6 overall (0-0 Pacific West Conference) while Chaminade moved to a 5-8 record (0-0 PacWest).

The Vulcans open PacWest Conference play next weekend, Feb. 25-26, against Concordia University Irvine.

Hawai'i Hilo will also be hosting UH Manoa for a single game Wednesday night, Feb. 28 at Francis Wong Stadium.

SEASON TICKETS

Single-game and season tickets are now available to be purchased online through Hawai'i Hilo Vulcans Athletics' recently-launched online ticket platform in partnership with AudienceView Campus.

The 2024 slate features 25 home contests at Francis Wong Stadium with a package price of $120 for adults and $60 for seniors (ages 65-plus) and middle/high school students.

Both can be accessed at HiloAthletics.com/tickets.

VIDEO STREAM PACKAGES

The Hawai'i Hilo Baseball team will have 26 home games available to be viewed online in partnership with Out of the Sea Media Arts Inc.

Single-game viewing will be priced at $10 with a season-package offering of $195.

More information is available at HiloAthletics.com/LiveStream.