UH opens key baseball series with Shockers

By Fred Guzman

Few disagree with the theory that good pitching is one of the main keys to success in baseball. So, how then, do you explain the University of Hawaii’s struggles on the diamond so far this season?

Case in point: UH hurlers allowed just 14 runs and 26 hits in the four games against 10th-ranked Cal State Fullerton last weekend, yet the Rainbows lost all four games and dropped to 11-13 for the season.

The problem in that series, as it has been the case all year, was a lack of consistent hitting. Against the Titans, UH managed just six runs over the four games.

Further complicating matters for the Rainbows is the uncertain status of injured junior second baseman Kolten Wong, a pre-season All-American who leads the team in virtually every significant offensive category. Wong is batting .374 with three homers, 15 RBI and eight steals.

But UH doesn’t have the luxury to dwell on its offensive shortcomings. Rolling into Les Murakami Stadium tonight for the start of a four-game series is another formidable opponent – 28th-ranked Wichita State. The Shockers are 17-8 after splitting a four-game set versus Oregon.

Hawaii coach Mike Trapasso will start Jesse Moore tonight, Matt Sisto on Thursday, Connor Little on Friday and Jarrett Arakawa on Saturday. Sisto’s stats reflect UH’s lack of production at the plate. Despite a sparkling 2.27 ERA, the right-hander has a 1-3 record to show for his efforts.

FOOTBALL: Following a brief hiatus, the UH football team resumed spring drills this week. And joining them was a player who was on loan to the Hawaii basketball team.

Miah Ostrowski, who gave the Bows a major boost on the court as a point guard now will be seeking to make his mark on the gridiron.

Ostrowski saw very limited duty in football last season, largely because – as a slotback – he was playing behind the talented likes of Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares.

Both of those athletes ranked among the national leaders in reception statistics and are hopeful of being selected in the upcoming NFL draft.

Ostrowski will compete for a starting job at right slotback this season after having four catches for 94 yards while appearing in nine games last year.

He joined the basketball team immediately following UH’s final game of the football season – the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve – and quickly became a major contributor on the hardwood.

Ostrowski took over as the starting point guard following injuries to Hiram Thompson and finished with averages of 5.4 points and 3.7 assists, helping Hawaii reach the post-season in hoops for the first time in seven years.