Rainbow Warriors Top Roadrunners in Pitching Duel

Hawaii baseball team evens series with Cal State Bakersfield behind strong outings from Robello and Martin-Grudzielanek

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:52am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with fragmented shapes and planes of color representing the players, field, and action of the game.The Rainbow Warriors' pitching and timely hitting proved too much for the Roadrunners in this hard-fought Big West Conference matchup.Bakersfield Today

The University of Hawaii baseball team defeated Cal State Bakersfield 5-3 in a tight contest at Hardt Field. Hekili Robello and Brody Martin-Grudzielanek combined to limit the Roadrunners to 10 hits, with Martin-Grudzielanek earning a crucial seven-out save. The Rainbow Warriors scored runs in the 1st, 5th, and 7th innings to secure the victory and even the three-game series at one win apiece.

Why it matters

This win keeps Hawaii in contention in the competitive Big West Conference race, as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The Rainbow Warriors' ability to win a close road game against a tough opponent demonstrates their resilience and pitching depth.

The details

Robello started for Hawaii and allowed 3 runs over 6.2 innings, while Martin-Grudzielanek came on in relief and recorded the final 7 outs to earn the save. Hawaii scored single runs in the 1st, 5th, and 7th innings, including an RBI double by Kamaehu Sanchez and run-scoring plays by Tate Shimao and Draven Nushida. In the 8th inning, Martin-Grudzielanek picked off a pinch runner to end the Roadrunners' threat.

  • The series opener was played on April 18, 2026.
  • First pitch of the series finale is scheduled for 10 a.m. Hawaii time on April 19, 2026.

The players

Hekili Robello

The starting pitcher for the University of Hawaii, who allowed 3 runs over 6.2 innings.

Brody Martin-Grudzielanek

The relief pitcher for the University of Hawaii, who earned a 7-out save to secure the victory.

Rich Hill

The head coach of the University of Hawaii baseball team.

Taison Miller

The pinch runner for Cal State Bakersfield who was picked off by Martin-Grudzielanek to end the 8th inning.

Kamaehu Sanchez

The University of Hawaii player who hit an RBI double to score the game's first run.

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What they’re saying

“He was the one who brought it up to me on the mound. He said, 'I think I can pick this guy off.'”

— Rich Hill, Head Coach, University of Hawaii

What’s next

The series finale between Hawaii and Cal State Bakersfield is scheduled for 10 a.m. Hawaii time on April 19, 2026.

The takeaway

Hawaii's ability to win a close road game against a tough Big West opponent demonstrates the team's resilience and pitching depth, which will be crucial as they look to contend for a conference title down the stretch.