UH-Hilo completed a four-game sweep of Holy Names on Monday to extend its winning streak to 12 games and set up a strong chance at a winning season for the first time since 1992.
The Vulcan beat the Hawks 5-3 and 6-2 at Wong Stadium in their final homestand behind eight scoreless innings by the bullpen in the double-header sweep.
UHH (22-15, 18-10 PacWest) needs one more win in its final eight road games at Point Loma or Biola to post its first winning season since 1992.
The Vuls head to San Diego to take on second-place Point Loma this weekend, in a virtual tie with the Sea Lions (15-8).
In the first game, Dylan Sugimoto batted 3 for 3 with three RBIs while Rustin Ho, Nick Lugo, and Casey Yamauchi had two hits each for the Vulcans, who pounded out 12 hits.
Christian Sadler went three innings and gave up three runs, but the bullpen provided six innings of scoreless relief. Jacob Morale threw three innings, Devan Elson tossed 1 2/3 innings, Brandyn Lee-Lehano recorded an out for the win, and John Kea closed the ninth for his ninth save.
In the second game, UHH scored four in the first inning, including a solo homer by Jaryn Kanbara, who finished 2 for 3. Yamauchi went 2 for 3 with two RBIs.
Travis Burleson pitched five innings of two-run ball for the win. He struck out four and walked none. Lee-Lehano and Kea each piteched a scoreless inning.
The Hawks dropped to 14-26, 8-16.
Golf
Freshman Andrew Otani fired a 1-under 71 in the second round of the PacWest championships in Ariz., where he’s tied for third place, two back of the leader.
The Vulcans are in third place, nine strokes back of Dominican.
UHH senior Jared Kinoshita at 5 over (73-76) is tied for 16th; Warren Miller is 8 over, and Taylor Patrick is also 8 over.
The final round is Wednesday.
UHH freshmen Carli Shimokihara and Kaelyn Uchida each fired an 80 in the second round of the PacWest championships in Ariz., where the Vulcans are in fifth place.
Shimokihara is tied for ninth, at 9 over. Uchida is at 16 over.
No. 16 Academy of Art holds a 14-shot lead over Biola.