WAIPAHU, Hawaii — The Jessup Warriors (12-8, 10-7 PacWest) displayed their offensive firepower on Saturday afternoon, securing a doubleheader sweep over Chaminade University at CORP Field.
The Warriors claimed a high-scoring 14-10 victory in a slugfest in game one before dominating the Silverswords 13-1 in the second contest, highlighted by a masterclass on the mound from Kai Hirayama and a barrage of home runs.
Game 1: Jessup 14, Chaminade 10
The opening game of the afternoon was an offensive shootout from the very beginning. Chaminade jumped out to an early 5-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning, capitalizing on Warrior miscues, but the Jessup bats refused to be quieted. In the top of the second, catcher Justin Tsukada launched a three-run home run to right field, cutting the deficit to 5-4.
The Warriors completely broke the game open in the third inning, exploding for nine runs to take a commanding lead. Quinton Hall sparked the rally with a two-run homer to left-center, followed moments later by a two-run blast from Adam Reyes. Tsukada capped his stellar performance in the frame with a two-run single through the right side, giving Jessup a 13-7 advantage.
Tsukada finished game one 2-for-4 with a game-high five RBIs. Hall posted an impressive 3-for-4 line with a home run and three RBIs, while center fielder Tony Otis went 3-for-4, scoring three times. Colby Pudge also stayed perfect at the dish, going 3-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored.
On the mound, Caleb Markwith (1-0) stepped up in relief to stabilize the defense. The pitcher earned the win by tossing 3.2 innings and striking out five Chaminade batters, keeping the Silverswords at bay while the offense went to work. Joey Guarienti closed the door in the final inning, striking out two to secure the 14-10 win.
Game 2: Jessup 13, Chaminade 1
Game two was a much different story, largely due to a phenomenal start by Kai Hirayama (2-1). The pitcher silenced the Silverswords' offense, dealing 6.0 dominant innings while allowing just three hits and one earned run. He struck out an impressive nine batters before handing the ball to Spencer Nelson, who added two strikeouts in a scoreless seventh inning.
Jessup's offense wasted no time giving Hirayama run support, plating three runs in the top of the first. Reyes ripped an RBI double to left-center, followed immediately by an RBI double from Cole Hazel. Hunter Hirayama then singled through the left side to bring home Hazel, making it 3-0 early.
Holding a 5-1 lead heading into the final frame, the Warriors put the game completely out of reach with a massive eight-run seventh inning. Hazel launched a three-run home run to left-center, and Cody Antone mirrored the effort with a three-run blast of his own to left field. Otis added an exclamation point with a solo shot, capping off the 13-1 rout.
Antone and Hazel both shined with four RBIs apiece, while Pudge finished 3-for-4 with a solo home run in the sixth inning. Reyes added two hits and scored twice to pace the Jessup attack.
Following the dominant sweep, head coach Trevor Paine praised his team's execution at the plate and the crucial performance from his Game 2 starter.
"I think we did a really good job of hitting mistake pitches," Paine said. "On a day where the conditions favored the hitter, I thought our approach was good and we need to continue that tomorrow."
Paine also emphasized Hirayama's stellar outing and its impact on the bullpen. "Kai picked us up and put us in a good position for tomorrow. Eating up innings allowed us to rest some pitchers for tomorrow and get us back in a position that favors. He was really good tonight."
The Saturday sweep puts a strong stamp on the Warriors' trip to Hawaii, improving their overall record to 12-8. Jessup will look to carry their momentum and continue their high-powered approach at the plate as they close out the series against the Silverswords tomorrow at 4:00 PM.
