Brock Simpson's two-run triple broke a 1-all tie in the seventh inning, lifting Kansas to a 4-1 victory over Hawai'i-Hilo Thursday night at Wong Stadium in Hilo.

Simpson had two hits and Ryne Price hit a bases-empty homer in the second for the Jayhawks (1-0).

Zach Ashwood allowed a run on six hits in six innings to earn the victory. Ryotaro Hayakawa and Paul Smith finished the two-hitter for Kansas.

Ryan Taiariol had an RBI single to tie the game a 1-all in the second inning for Hilo (0-4).

UH-Hilo pitcher Lars Knepper gave up four runs on four hits in 6 2/3 innings with 11 strikeouts.

The series continues Friday with a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. at Wong Stadium.

Chico State 9, Hawai'i Pacific 5: Casey Smyth and Punahou alum Lorin Nakagawa each drove in two runs, leading the Wildcats over the Sea Warriors in the season opener for both at Central O'ahu Regional Park Thursday night.

Trailing 9-1, HPU rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth before falling short.

The second game of the scheduled doubleheader was called off in the second inning because of rain.

The two teams are scheduled to play a doubleheader Friday starting at 4 p.m. at CORP.