After suffering its first series loss of the season, the University of Hawai’i baseball team returns home for an eight-game stretch, beginning with a matchup against Division II opponent Chaminade on Tuesday.
The Rainbow Warriors will look to bounce back following a tough road series at UC Riverside, where they dropped two of three games in the Big West opener. They previously defeated the Silverswords in their first-ever meeting last season, during Chaminade’s inaugural year of collegiate competition.
O’Brien’s Dominance on the Mound
Hawai’i pitcher Liam O’Brien has been nearly untouchable this season. He is the only pitcher in the nation to have thrown at least 20 innings while allowing fewer than five hits. His 0.00 ERA leads all Division I pitchers, and he ranks second nationally in hits allowed per nine innings (1.69).
Walk-Off Magic
The Rainbow Warriors have made a habit of winning in dramatic fashion. Four of their 11 victories this season have come via walk-off. Draven Nushida delivered the game-winning hit on opening night, while Shunsuke Sakaino, Elijah Ickes, and Matthew Miura have each added clutch walk-off moments.
Carrying Over Last Season’s Momentum
Hawai’i has been one of the nation’s hottest teams since the latter part of last season. The Rainbow Warriors have won 27 of their last 32 games dating back to April 2024. Their .844 winning percentage during that span ranks third in the country, trailing only defending national champion Tennessee and Big West rival UCSB.
Home Dominance at Les Murakami Stadium
The Rainbow Warriors have been nearly unbeatable at home. Although their 16-game home winning streak ended earlier this season, they remain 24-3 at Les Murakami Stadium since April 2024. The team has also demonstrated resilience, winning four games this year when tied or trailing in the sixth inning or later.
Clutch Performances at the Plate
Hawai’i has excelled in high-pressure situations at the plate. More than half of their total runs (55.4%) have come with two outs. The team is hitting .379 in those scenarios and boasts a .358 average with runners in scoring position—63 points higher than their overall batting average.
With momentum on their side and a strong home record, the Rainbow Warriors aim to use this homestand to solidify their place in the Big West race.
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