Kona, Hawaii - The Northwest Nazarene University baseball team broke open a 2-2 tie in the top of the eighth inning, scoring five runs to eventually claim a 7-3 NCAA West Region victory over the University of Hawaii-Hilo.

The Crusaders (2-2) evened the six-game season-opening series at 2-2, which will resume on Monday afternoon in Hilo.

NNU produced 10 hits on the day, led by Niko Hawes, Greg Christensen, and Conner Rankin, who each had two.  Rankin led NNU with three RBI, while Joel Oliver finished 1-for-4, hitting his first home run of the season.

Zach Morse (1-0) earned the win, pitching in releif of starter Charles Pollock and set-up man Kalen Hruza.  Pollock posted seven strikeouts, against three walks, while Morse struck out two.

Keoni Manago led the Vulcans (2-2), going 2-for-4, while Cody Barrett plated two RBI and was 1-for-3.

UHH starter Dan Hennigs (0-1) took the loss, surrendering four earned runs through seven innings.