It was a series in which games seemed to repeat themselves. The Dons took each of the first two games by a score of 3-1 in 11 innings. Hawaii would bounce back and take each of the last two, including today's game, by a score of 3-2. Unfortunately for USF, the final two games were mirror images because they revolved around defensive mishaps leading to Hawaii (3-4, 0-0 Big West) runs.

Sunday's affair was truly odd as the Dons pitchers only allowed four hits and no earned runs. USF made three errors in the game and the Rainbow Warriors took advantage. 

"We beat ourselves today," head coach Nino Giarratano said. "We just didn't give ourselves a chance and (Hawaii) capitalized on all of the mistakes."

Sam Granoff (1-1, 3.60 ERA) started the game on the mound for USF (5-3, 0-0 WCC) and was put behind the eight ball from the start. Dylan Vchulek opened the game by reaching on an error by Allen Smoot. He would advance to second on a wild pitch and score on a single by Johnny Weeks.

Then in the second inning Logan Poulsen reached on an error by Ross Puskarich and after advancing to third on a double by Troy Kakugawa, he would score on a sacrifice fly by Dustin Demeter. 

USF would pull one back in the fourth inning when Nico Giarratano led the inning off with a single before being doubled home by Puskarich. The hit extended Puskarich's hitting streak to 25 games dating back to last season. He currently leads the team with a .400 batting average. 

The Rainbow Warriors would get one final unearned run when Demeter led off the inning by singling and advancing multiple bases on a throwing error by Smoot. He would then be knocked in via sac fly by Vchulek for what would be the decisive run of the game. Granoff would take the loss despite not allowing an earned run. 

"He wouldn't have given up a run at all had we played defense," Giarratano said of Granoff's performance. "He was pretty sharp and his command was good. He's not a strike-out guy so he needs (the team) to play good defense behind him."

The Dons scored a second run when freshman Tyler Villaroman walked, stole second and was eventually singled in by Brady Bate. The Dons offense never really got going all weekend thanks in large part to Hawaii's pitching and pitcher friendly confines. 

"We put together some good at bats," Giarratano noted. "But we got some guys that are struggling right now. We just can't get five guys going at a time. We gotta find a guy that wants to DH and drive in some runs, but Villaroman is playing really well right now."

Bate went 2-for-2 on the day as he continued a strong start to his junior campaign. He is now batting .368 with four doubles, three RBI and two stolen bases. "He's really starting to settle himself in and do some good things offensively; so we are excited about that," Giarratano said.

Next up is a game against Utah Valley on Tuesday at 1 p.m. back at Benedetti Diamond. 

"Hawaii is a nice place," Giarratano said. "It's warm here and I know the guys have enjoyed their time. But I'm sure the guys will be excited to play at home and see the home crowd." 

You can buy tickets to see the Dons play at home on Tuesday by clicking here. After Tuesday they will head out to South Carolina to take part in a tournament hosted by reigning NCAA Champion Coastal Carolina.