It wasn’t Azusa Pacific’s 11 runs nor its 17 hits that got under Kallen Miyataki’s skin.
No, Miyataki was much more concerned with two errors the Vulcans committed during a 11-3 loss Thursday night at Wong Stadium.
“It actually could have been really a really, really good game,” Miyataki said.
Instead, UH-Hilo (10-28, 8-19 Pacific West Conference) found itself in an early 8-0 hole it was never able to dig out of en route to its 16th straight loss.
“Normally, we key on our defense,” Miyataki said, “and when it breaks down it hurts.”
A two-out error in the first allowed the Cougars (23-14, 16-9) to score two more times during a four-run first, and UH-Hilo made another error in giving up another four runs in the third.
Seamus Yoneshige (0-5) lasted only two innings in taking the loss, yielding eight hits, six runs (five earned) and two walks with a strikeout. Chris Hubocan allowed three hits and two unearned runs in an inning of relief.
“The errors changed the complexion of the game,” Miyataki said.
UH-Hilo managed just four hits against four Cougars pitchers. Jonathan James finished 2 for 4 with a double and two RBIs.
Six Azusa players amassed at least two hits. Joseph Daris was 4 for 5 with four runs scored, Sean Aspinall collected three hits and Jordan Brower drove in three runs.
In five innings, Joel Belk (5-1) allowed three runs on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts.