HONOLULU, HI— The Sacred Heart baseball team was defeated by Hawaii, 8-2 on Saturday night at Les Murakami Stadium. The Rainbow Warriors (9-5) offense took hold of the game with two three-run innings to clinch the series win over the Pioneers (5-9).

Sacred Heart continued to strike early as they have done all series, taking the 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning as junior Alex Perry drove the first pitch he saw from right hander Neil Uskali over the left field fence for the home run. The solo shot was Perry's second career home run. Hawaii answered on a sacrifice fly by Adam Fogel, scoring Dustin Demeter who reached on a double two batters prior. The Rainbow Warriors continued into the second inning, putting runners on first and second with one out, Dylan Vchulek then doubled to left center field to bring in the go-ahead run. Demeter, the next batter singled through the right side driving in two runs for the 4-1 lead. 

The Pioneers started off the top of the sixth inning with a walk by senior Keith Klebart and a single by junior Dan Schock. Redshirt junior PJ DeFilippo would bring home Klebart two batters later on an RBI fielder's choice to bring the score to 4-2. Hawaii extended the lead back to three in the bottom of the sixth with a RBI single by Marcus Doi. The Rainbow Warriors added three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning on an RBI single by Alex Fitchett and a two RBI double by Jonathan Weeks to bring the final score to 8-2. 

SHU starter John Sostarich took the loss, pitching an inning and a third and allowing four runs. Sophomore Jackson Aldam pitched three and two third innings in relief, allowing just one hit and two strikeouts. Sophomore John Cerretani made his first appearance of the season, picking up one strike out in an inning and a third. DeFilippo led the Pioneers with a 2-for-4 night at the plate.

The Pioneers close out the four-game series with the Rainbow Warriors tomorrow with a 7:05pm EST start.