Winners of five straight games, the Hawaii Pacific University baseball team will take the field on the state’s biggest stage Tuesday night in a highly anticipated midweek matchup against the University of Hawaii.
The Division II Sharks, who have tallied 19 wins this season and are 7-2 over their last nine contests, will face off with the Rainbow Warriors (20-6) at Les Murakami Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.
HPU is putting up historic numbers in 2025, including a program-record 36 home runs—already the most in a single season. Leading the charge is former Rainbow Warrior outfielder Bronson Rivera, who has found a new gear with the Sharks.
A Konawaena High School graduate, Rivera is batting .357 with 13 home runs, tying Aaron Asher’s 2009 record for the most in a season by an HPU player—with 17 games still remaining.
“Yeah, I’d be lying if I said it was an easy road up until this point,” Rivera said. “But I think it’s all worth it. It’s helped make me the man I am today. With it being my last year, it felt like I had nothing to lose. I’ve worked hard all throughout college. This year, there was no pressure. It felt like taking a step back—and it was really relaxing coming here.”
HPU head coach Dane Fujinaka said Rivera’s success comes from staying locked in on each pitch.
“We talk about it as a team, and Coach Richie (Higa) talks about it—just trying to win one pitch at a time,” Fujinaka said.
“Over time, those start to stack. Bronson hit 13 home runs, and 13 of them were on mistakes. We’re not trying to hit home runs, and Bronson isn’t either. He’s just sticking to his approach and punishing mistakes.”
Rivera, who spent his first three collegiate seasons with the Rainbow Warriors, says his approach at the plate is simple.
“I’m just trying to go up there and put my swing on every pitch,” he said. “I know I have a powerful swing. If I make contact, the ball will go. I’m just trying to keep it simple and square it up.”
Tuesday’s game between the Sharks and ‘Bows will not be televised but will be broadcast on ESPN Honolulu radio.
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