A steady rain yesterday not only threw the 22nd annual Rainbow Easter Baseball Tournament into disarray, but cost Hawaii a much-needed home game with Fresno State as well.
That Western Athletic Conference game will be made up when the Rainbows play at Fresno State the last weekend in April. A dejected Les Murakami said last night he wanted to play a doubleheader with the Bulldogs early in the four-game series.
"That's because we have to go to BYU right after that, so we need to rest our pitchers as much as possible," Murakami said.
"We wanted to get this game in, so we wouldn't have to play the third game away from home. Now we have to go up there and finish the series. I hope we play a doubleheader the first day and two single games after that."
As for the week-long tournament, Bank of America officials are expected to announce a continued partnership through the year 2000 with this popular event. But right now, the weather is raining on their parade.
Because of the stormy skies, only the first scheduled game was completed. Nebraska surprised No. 13-ranked Wichita State, 11-9. The second game between Cal State-Northridge and the University of Washington was delayed four times before being postponed.
Northridge holds an 8-3 advantage in the top of the fifth inning. Weather permitting, that game is set for today at 9 a.m.
Nebraska will then play Northridge at 11 a.m., Wichita State faces New Mexico at 2 p.m., Hawaii will make up its game with the Lobos at 5 p.m. and Washington plays Hawaii at 8 p.m.
"That's if everything else goes as planned," Murakami said. "If it gets all jammed up during the day, then we'll play Washington on Wednesday."
Today's forecast calls for passing showers with a brief clearing trend, but tomorrow could be much like yesterday.
"This is like the tournament we had a few years ago when Clemson was here," Murakami said. "I think we had nine inches of rain that week. Hopefully, it won't be like that this year."
Murakami will use freshman lefty Dusty Bergman (1-3, 7.12 ERA) in the game against New Mexico.
Robby Robinson (1-6, 8.68) will work the game against Washington.
Ailing Andrew McNally said he wasn't sure if he would pitch this week. He had hoped to work in the bullpen yesterday, but the weather didn't cooperate. He had a cortisone shot last Thursday to treat a lingering groin pull.
"We hope he can pitch, but this isn't the best weather for him," Murakami said. "All we can do is wait and see how he feels, and go from there."
Today's games Hawaii vs. New Mexico, 5 p.m.; Hawaii vs. Washington, approximately 8 p.m., weather permitting
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