More than ever, now is the time for Hawaii's bats to wake up.

With their pitching rotation somewhat an unknown, the Rainbows (7-9) could do themselves wonders by kick-starting an offense that's hitting .242 and was held to three runs over the final three games of last week's series against Southern Cal.

Air Force (5-12) should provide an ample opportunity for UH to do so as the Rainbows close out a season-opening 20-game homestand with a series against the Falcons beginning tonight.

The Falcons' scheduled rotation for the series has combined to allow 67 runs in 67 1/3 innings. Eight different Falcons have started games, including freshman Kincaid Koehler (1-1, 7.00 ERA), who will take the mound tonight opposite Hawaii's Sam Spangler (1-3, 2.86).

“;We know what our pitching is personnel-wise,”; Hawaii coach Mike Trapasso said. “;The concern right now is getting these bats going.”;

Granted, Hawaii has played a schedule ranked at one point as the toughest in the nation after four weeks, but the lack of offensive production is still concerning.

At times, the 'Bows have struggled advancing runners into scoring position and have been picked off in key situations. As a result, they've only put up a crooked number in two of the last 36 innings they've come to bat.

“;We've got to invest more in the short game,”; Trapasso said. “;We've got to move runners and be more aggressive.

“;If you're not scoring in bunches, you have to play for one run an inning and try to get runners to second base by bunting them over more.”;

Run production would be especially important to help an influx of new pitchers that will be forced into bigger roles.

Injuries to key starters and a tough stretch of nine games in 11 days will force Trapasso to rely on his entire staff of pitchers.

“;It's something that could end up being good for us,”; Trapasso said. “;These next couple of weeks are going to be a challenge for our guys because of the fact that we're short-handed.”;

Nate Klein is out at least for the next two weeks, and junior Josh Slaats' status is still up in the air. Sophomore Matt Sisto (1-3, 8.10) has struggled in his four starts this season, meaning UH could show almost an entire new rotation this weekend.

Alex Capaul (3-1, 3.68) has pitched well enough to earn a start and Zach Gallagher (0-1, 6.75) mowed down the USC lineup the first time through before running into trouble in the fourth inning on Monday.

Hawaii also has Connor Little (0-0, 5.68), who started five games last season, as a possible candidate.

However the starting rotation plays out, the entire staff will be called upon to perform as evidenced by freshman Derek Brown, who was thought to possibly redshirt, seeing action against USC.

“;That's why you go out and recruit,”; Trapasso said. “;There's nothing that says whoever you throw out there shouldn't expect to pitch well.

“;I expect the other guys to go out on the mound and pitch well. It's why we have a staff of 12 pitchers.”;

Slaats was expected to test his arm yesterday, and would start tomorrow's game if healthy.

After Hawaii wraps up its series with Air Force, it hits the road for games against Long Beach State, Cal State Fullerton and San Diego.