Watch Kanoa Leahey and Pal Eldredge Call Gonzaga vs Hawai'i Baseball on ESPN+ and Spectrum Sports Hawaii

Match date: 16 February 2026

Watch Kanoa Leahey and Pal Eldredge Call Gonzaga vs Hawai'i Baseball on ESPN+ and Spectrum Sports Hawaii

American college baseball fans gearing up for an exciting NCAA Division I showdown can tune into ESPN Unlimited, ESPN+, and Spectrum Sports Hawaii to catch the Gonzaga Bulldogs taking on the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors at Les Murakami Stadium in Honolulu on 16 February 2026. Kicking off at 21:05 UK time (corresponding to 11:05 AM Hawai'i time and 1:05 PM Pacific), this pivotal series finale promises drama after Gonzaga's thrilling 7-2 extra-innings victory over Hawai'i in their previous encounter[1][2]. With Kanoa Leahey on main commentary duties alongside co-commentator Pal Eldredge across all channels, viewers are in for expert insights from Hawaii's most recognised voices in sports broadcasting.

ESPN+, as a premier destination for college sports in the US, leads the coverage for mainland audiences eager to follow this West Coast Conference clash. Spectrum Sports Hawaii, the local powerhouse, ensures island fans get prime access, while ESPN Unlimited extends the reach. These American channels deliver high-quality streams, live stats, and post-game analysis, making it easy for fans from the continental US to the UK to watch without missing a pitch[4][5][7]. Whether you're backing the visiting Zags or cheering the home 'Bows, this matchup at the iconic Les Murakami Stadium – known for its vibrant atmosphere and trade winds – is unmissable.

The series context adds intrigue: Gonzaga (1-2) stunned Hawai'i (2-1) in a 12-inning marathon on Sunday, rallying for five runs in the top of the 12th behind key hits from Noah Meffert, Tommy Eisenstat, and others, while freshman pitcher Hudson Hood slammed the door with 6.1 scoreless innings and eight strikeouts[1][2]. Hawai'i tied it in the sixth but couldn't hold off the Bulldogs' late surge, marking their first loss of 2026. Now, the Rainbow Warriors seek series redemption at home, where they've dominated Sunday games recently, outscoring foes 131-43 over 16 outings despite this setback[2]. Gonzaga's pitching depth, showcased by Sweum and Hood using just two arms, contrasts Hawai'i's seven-pitcher effort, setting up a tactical battle.

At the mic, Kanoa Leahey brings decades of gravitas. A Honolulu native and staple of Hawaii sports media, Leahey has called University of Hawai'i games across football, basketball, and baseball for over 30 years, earning induction into the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame. His tenure with Spectrum Sports and ESPN affiliations has made him the voice of Rainbow Warrior triumphs, blending aloha spirit with sharp analysis. Paired seamlessly is Pal Eldredge, a respected co-commentator whose career spans local radio and TV, offering insider knowledge on island baseball from his playing days and broadcasting stints. Together, they elevate the broadcast, providing colour on player backgrounds like Gonzaga's rally starters Rece Schuerman and Bo Shinkle, or Hawai'i's tying runs via Elijah Ickes and Evan Rolbiecki[1][2].

Gonzaga heads into this rubber match with momentum, having navigated heavy winds and showers in game two. Coach Mark Machtolf's successful challenge flipped momentum, leading to Eisenstat's RBI, while the 12th-inning explosion – featuring Meffert's double, an intentional walk to Mikey Bell, and hits-by-pitch – overwhelmed UH. Hood's debut dominance (no runs, two baserunners) signals bright futures for the Zags' staff. For Hawai'i, the loss stings after an opening win (3-2 in 10 innings on 13 February[3]), but their home prowess endures. Expect the 'Bows to lean on starters like those who pushed Gonzaga previously, aiming to exploit any Zag travel fatigue.

Les Murakami Stadium, Hawai'i's fortress since 1984, amplifies the stakes. Named for legendary coach Les Murakami, it hosts Big West and now independent Rainbow Warriors baseball, drawing passionate crowds. UK viewers at 21:05 might catch evening vibes under stadium lights, while US East Coast fans tune in early afternoon. Streaming via ESPN+ ensures global access, with live stats on Gonzaga's site confirming 3:05 PM Pacific start (adjusting for Hawai'i's earlier time zone)[1][7]. Tickets remain available, with sites listing the 6:35 PM local listing possibly reflecting gate open times[4][5].

Gonzaga Bulldogs, from Spokane, Washington, enter 2026 eyeing national contention after strong prior seasons. Their road warrior mentality shines in Hawaii, building on young arms like Hood and veterans like Landon White. Visit Gonzaga Athletics for rosters and history. Conversely, Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors boast island resilience, with a schedule blending non-conference tests like this before conference play. Their 16-Sunday home dominance underscores Les Murakami's edge[2].

Broadcast teams like Leahey and Eldredge add layers. Leahey's career highlights include calling UH's Sugar Bowl runs and baseball regionals, his engaging style bridging generations. Eldredge complements with tactical breakdowns, drawing from Hawaii high school and college circuits. For UK audiences, this ESPN+ availability marks growing transatlantic interest in NCAA baseball, akin to Premier League access. Americans on ESPN platforms benefit from synced coverage, no blackouts.

Key storylines abound: Can Gonzaga's bats, hot post-12th (Shupe, White adding insurance), sustain? Will Hawai'i's bullpen rebound after seven arms faltered? Watch for weather – winds challenged both teams previously[1]. Standout performers like Meffert (RBI double) or Eisenstat (two RBIs, HBP) could decide it. Gonzaga seeks series split or sweep; Hawai'i redemption.

The West Coast Conference ties intrigue Gonzaga, though Hawai'i operates independently post-Big West. WCC's rising profile, with live events like this, boosts visibility (West Coast Conference site). For deeper dives, explore Hawai'i Athletics.

Fans should prep apps for ESPN+, verify Spectrum logins, or stream Gonzaga feeds. UK time alignment suits post-dinner viewing, perfect for transatlantic sports enthusiasts. This matchup encapsulates college baseball's charm: endurance, talent, paradise backdrop. With Leahey and Eldredge narrating, expect calls as memorable as the action.

Anticipate strategic pitching duels, late heroics mirroring game two's thriller. Gonzaga's efficiency (two pitchers) versus Hawai'i's depth tests resilience. Players like Tino Bethancourt (key groundout) loom for UH. As series finale, bragging rights and early-season momentum hang.

Don't miss it – set reminders for 21:05 UK, stream-ready. Whether Zags build wins or 'Bows reclaim home glory, Kanoa Leahey and Pal Eldredge ensure every inning captivates. (Word count: 1247)

Article generated: 16 February 2026, 09:00 GMT