Box Score

HILO, Hawaii - Hawaii Hilo scored four runs in the eighth inning to snap the Sea Lions' eight-game winning streak and take the opening game of the four-game series from Point Loma 4-3. The second game of the doubleheader was rained out and will be made up on Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. PST.

The late rally spoiled another strong start from Point Loma freshman Kellen Sheppard who shut the Vulcans (3-6, 2-3 Pacific West Conference) out for the first seven innings of the game to extend his scoreless innings streak to 23. He allowed three hits and just two walks while striking out two before giving way to the bullpen to start the eighth.

UHH loaded the bases with no outs in the eighth off Mickey Dunleavy (0-1) and pinch hitter Austin Cusack then cut the Sea Lions' lead to one with a two-run single to center. After a sacrifice bunt put runners at second and third, Sean Nearhoof tied the game as he reached on a fielder's choice before Keenan Nishioka singled to right with the go-ahead run.

PLNU (11-7, 4-1 PacWest) built its lead on a sac bunt for an RBI by AJ Derr in the fourth, an RBI-single by Clinton Harwick in the fifth and an RBI-ground out in the seventh. Trey Hunt led PLNU by going 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and a stolen base. Preston Sands also reached base three times with two hits and a walk.

In the ninth Hunt and Tyler Hanzawa had back-to-back hits with one out and after a pop up for the second out Sands walked to load the bases. Ryan Garcia gave the ball a ride to center field but it was flagged down for the final out to end the game.

Bryce Shandro (1-0) earned the win in relief for the Vulcans. Despite loading the bases in the ninth Michael Slifer was able to keep the Sea Lions off the board to pick up his second save of the season.

These teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow (Mar. 11) starting at 7:00 p.m.