The University of Hawai’i softball team lost to Utah State 5-1 in its first game at the CBC Classic, held at Cal Baptist in Riverside, California. The defeat brings Hawai’i’s record to 4-2 for the season, while Utah State improves to 6-2.
Both teams were scoreless through two innings. Hawai’i starting pitcher Taryn Irimata retired eight of the first nine batters she faced. However, a fielding error with two outs in the third inning led to a difficult stretch for the Rainbow Wahine. Utah State loaded the bases twice and scored five unearned runs during that inning.
Utah State’s Alex Bunton hit a double that cleared the bases, and later Grace Matej added a double to right field that drove in two more runs, extending Utah State’s lead to 5-0. After these plays, Hawai’i brought in pitcher Hannah Pitts, who ended the inning with a strikeout.
Hawai’i managed to get on the scoreboard in the sixth inning. Carys Murakami singled up the middle with two outs, and pinch hitter Millie Fidge followed with a triple that allowed Murakami to score from first base.
Irimata pitched 2-2/3 innings, allowing five unearned runs on three hits, with two walks and four strikeouts. Pitts pitched in relief for 4-1/3 innings without giving up any runs; she allowed seven hits and recorded five strikeouts.
The Rainbow Wahine are scheduled for a rematch against Utah State on Sunday at John C. Funk Stadium in Riverside, followed by a game against Loyola Marymount later that day.
