Inouye earns first save with Hawaii, shuts down former team in 4-1 win

MANOA — Redemption came full circle for Ryan Inouye on Wednesday night.

The right-handed side-arm pitcher recorded his first save with the University of Hawaiʻi, closing out a 4-1 victory at Les Murakami Stadium over his former team — Hawaiʻi Pacific University.

Inouye entered in the top of the ninth inning for his seventh appearance of the season — and his first since March 8 — and delivered a clean outing to secure the win for the Rainbow Warriors.

“I didn’t pitch much overall the past couple weeks, but to be able to get back on the mound like that is pretty special,” Inouye said.

The Kailua High graduate worked one inning, allowing one hit while striking out one and issuing no walks against four batters. The lone blemish came on a single by HPU’s Noah Hata, just the Sharks’ third hit of the game.

“Definitely wanted to get all of them out, but Noah got a hit so he’s definitely going to hold that one over me,” Inouye added.

The outing marked a bounce-back moment for the 5-foot-9 reliever, who had struggled in his previous appearances, surrendering two home runs during a series against Cal Poly.

Before transferring to Hawaiʻi, Inouye built a decorated career at HPU. He holds the program’s all-time saves record with 20 and set a single-season mark with 13 in 2024, helping lead the Sharks to their first PacWest tournament appearance since 2010.

Ryan Inouye throws a pitch to plate for the Sharks in 2025. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Ryan Inouye comes off the mound at Les Murakami Stadium to make a defensive play against the University of Hawai’i in 2025. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

He also played a key role in HPU’s runner-up finish at the 2025 PacWest tournament, including three perfect innings in a semifinal appearance in which he struck out four without allowing a hit or walk.

Despite being on the losing side, HPU coach Dane Fujinaka expressed pride in seeing his former closer succeed.

“I’m super happy for him,” Fujinaka said. “It’s weird seeing him in green on the other team, but it’s awesome to see him be able to play here every day and have a huge role for them.”

Fujinaka played a part in helping Inouye land at Hawaiʻi, reaching out to Rainbow Warriors coach Rich Hill and pitching coach Keith Zuniga after Inouye’s Division II eligibility expired.

Dane Fujinaka (left) chats with Ryan Inouye after the Sharks and Rainbow Warriors game Wednesday night.

“As soon as the season ended I hit up Zuni and Rich and said, ‘Hey, is there any interest here? I think he’s the perfect fit,’” Fujinaka said. “He lives five minutes away. He’s a different arm that a lot of your league hasn’t seen.

“I’m just really happy that UH and Rich gave him a chance to continue playing.”