Long Beach State Defeats Hawaii Baseball in Close Game

Rainbows drop fifth conference game in six outings

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:49am

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Long Beach State pitcher Jason Gerfers threw a complete game, allowing just four singles and two walks in a 2-1 victory over the visiting Hawaii baseball team. The loss was Hawaii's fifth in six Big West Conference games, dropping their overall record to 10-9.

Why it matters

This game continues a tough stretch for the Hawaii baseball team, who are struggling to find their footing in conference play after a solid start to the season. The Rainbows will need to rebound quickly as they head to UC Santa Barbara for a key three-game series.

The details

Long Beach State's Dylan Lina homered in the first inning to give the Dirtbags an early lead. Hawaii tied the game in the fourth on an RBI single by Elijah Ickes, but that was all the offense they could muster against Gerfers. Hawaii starter Liam O'Brien pitched well, allowing just Lina's homer, but was charged with both LBSU runs in the loss.

  • The game was played on March 16, 2026.
  • Hawaii now moves on to a three-game series at UC Santa Barbara starting on Friday.

The players

Jason Gerfers

The Long Beach State pitcher who threw a complete game, allowing just four hits and two walks.

Dylan Lina

The Long Beach State player who hit a solo home run in the first inning to give his team an early lead.

Elijah Ickes

The Hawaii player who drove in the Rainbows' only run with an RBI single in the fourth inning.

Liam O'Brien

The Hawaii starting pitcher who allowed just Lina's homer but was charged with both Long Beach State runs in the loss.

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What’s next

Hawaii will look to bounce back in their upcoming three-game series at UC Santa Barbara starting on Friday.

The takeaway

This loss continues a tough stretch for the Hawaii baseball team, who will need to regroup quickly as they head into a key conference series against UC Santa Barbara.