WAIPAHU, HI — Jessup baseball defeated Chaminade University by a final margin of 15-1 at CORP Field on Sunday afternoon to secure the four game series sweep, 15-1.
The visiting Warriors registered 14 hits and capitalized on defensive missteps to secure a shortened, seven-inning victory by run rule in Pacific West Conference action.
Jessup initiated the scoring in the opening frame. Leadoff batter Cody Antone set an immediate tone for the afternoon, driving a solo home run deep over the left-center field wall. This initial run proved to be all the run support starting pitcher Jordan Cezar would need to earn the win.
Cezar (2-0) delivered a masterful performance on the mound for Jessup, keeping the Chaminade lineup off-balance and suppressing their offensive capabilities throughout his tenure in the game.
Following two scoreless innings, the Warriors' offense grew their lead over Chaminade, beginning with a three-run fourth inning. The rally was sparked by a sacrifice fly from Colby Pudge and an intelligently executed sacrifice bunt by Hunter Hirayama, which forced a critical throwing error by the Chaminade first baseman and allowed an unearned run to cross the plate, 4-0.
The contest was firmly decided in the fifth inning, where Jessup orchestrated a formidable six-run campaign that ultimately forced Chaminade's starting pitcher from the mound. The inning was highlighted by two RBI triples from Tony Otis and Hirayama, alongside run-scoring singles from Antone and Justin Tsukada,10-0. Hirayama concluded the afternoon with a standout performance, recording two hits and a game-high four runs batted in.
The Warriors continued their methodical offensive production into the latter stages of the game. In the sixth inning, Quinton Hall extended the lead with a solo home run to left field, 11-0.
Chaminade managed to avert a shutout in the bottom half of the sixth when a Silversword hit a solo home run, marking the home team's sole offensive breakthrough of the afternoon.
Jessup concluded their scoring in the seventh inning with a final three-run push, demonstrating disciplined plate appearances that included an RBI single from Hirayama, a bases-loaded walk drawn by Michael Lavigne, and an RBI fielder's choice from Antone, 15-1.
Hirayama topped the box score with four RBIs on the day from his 2-3 performance. Antone plated three RBIs with a long ball. Cezar Jordan pitched an excellent 4.0 innings to give a quality start for the Warriors. Joey Guarienti, Jason Riviello and Chris Albee delivered great relief performances.
Following the decisive win, Jessup Head Coach Trevor Paine reflected on his team's comprehensive effort, noting their resilience in a hitter-friendly environment. "I think despite the favorable hitting conditions and pitchers not having their best stuff they competed," Paine stated. "We played our best defense of the trip these last three games so that helped a lot as well."
With the Hawaii road trip concluded, the Warriors (13-8, 11-7 PacWest) now turn their attention toward returning to California. "I think we are just looking forward to being back at McBean for a little bit," Paine remarked. "This trip has been a great experience but it's always nice to be able to get back to your home field."
Jessup will play a non-conference matchup against CSU East Bay on March 13th at 1:00 PM.
