Thursday, April 26, 2001

'Bows hope shuffling
days are over

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

The University of Hawaii baseball lineup has gone through several changes this season.

Some were necessitated by injuries, others by subpar performances in the field or at the plate. Barring any more serious injuries, Hawaii acting head coach Carl Furutani hopes he isn't forced to shuffle the lineup for the remaining 13 regular-season games.

The constants have been Danny Kimura at first base and Patrick Scalabrini at third. As planned at the start of the season, Brian Bock and Jacob Flick have alternated behind the plate. They also have been calling the game for the past six weeks.

Arthur Guillen has taken over in center field because of his defensive play and is producing more at the plate with the regular starting assignment.

"Art did a great job on the trip. I think it's in line with the progress he has made since fall practice," Furutani said. "There is a difference now in how he approaches things. He has more confidence."

Chad Boudon and Kevin Gilbride will continue to platoon in left field.

Tim Montgomery will be back in right field. Furutani experimented with Cortland Wilson in right field for two games in the Rice series, but the UH coaches realize he is not comfortable there.

Furutani would like to keep Wilson's bat in the lineup as the designated hitter.

That may depend on how Gregg Omori's right elbow feels from game to game. If it is not bothering him, Omori will be at second base. He also might see action in left field to open up the DH spot.

"We're trying to give Gregg as much rest as possible. The throw from the outfield is easier on his elbow, and he has played there before," Furutani said.

If Omori can't take the field, Lane Nogawa will be at second base.

The Mid-Pacific Institute graduate gives the Rainbows options because he also can handle short and third.

Matt Purtell, who has played second base and center field and been the DH at times this season, will be the shortstop for the remainder of the season.

"He has solidified that position," said Furutani.

Wilson continues to lead the regulars with a .333 batting average.

Flick is at .323 and Scalabrini is batting .321. Kimura has been swinging a more consistent bat lately. He has raised his average to .276 after hovering around the .200 mark prior to the Verizon Rainbow Easter Tournament.

"Danny has worked hard with the dad and some other people to get back to his old swing," Furutani said. "Sometimes you can hear the same thing put in a different way by someone else and all of a sudden it makes sense."

Furutani is wary of this weekend's opponent, the Oregon State Beavers.

"They are a very solid ballclub. They swing the bat real well, have two solid starters and a third who competes," Furutani said. "If you know their coach, Pat Casey, his teams always compete. This will be a challenging and exciting weekend for us."

'Bow bunts: Omori and Scalabrini continue to be first and second in home runs with seven and six, and runs batted in with 34 and 29. ... Matt Purtell's 18 stolen bases continues to lead the Western Athletic Conference. ... Oregon State won its sixth consecutive game last night, beating the University of Portland, 13-6.

GAME DAY When: 6:35 p.m. tomorrow, 6:35 p.m. Saturday, 2:05 p.m. Sunday Where: Rainbow Stadium TV: Live, KFVE, channel 5 Radio: Live, 1420-AM Internet: uhathletics.hawaii.edu/ Sportslive/listen.html Tickets: Orange, Blue levels$6 Red level$5 Ages 4-18 and 65+$4 UH students$4 Parking$3

Probable starting pitchers

Hawaii (20-23, 10-17 WAC)

		W-L	ERA	K
RHP	Jeff Coleman (Jr.)	5-5	3.72	67
RHP	Sean Yamashita (Jr.)	2-7	5.18	53
RHP	Chad Giannetti (Sr.)	3-4	5.20	24

Oregon state (2716, 8-7 PAC-10)

		W-L	ERA	K
RHP	Thad Johnson (Sr.)	5-5	4.57	68
LHP	Scott Nicholson (Sr.)	8-2	3.64	55
RHP	To be announced

Notes: The Rainbows and Beavers have played 14 games, all in Honolulu, with UH holding an 11-3 advantage. The last time the teams met, the Beavers won two of three in 1997. ... OSU coach Pat Casey is in his seventh season with the Beavers and has a 176-117-4 career record. ... Scott Nicholson has pitched seven complete games with two shutouts. ... The Rainbows have posted two shutouts this season.

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