The University of Hawaii baseball team suffered another setback when pitcher Colin Ashworth suffered a season-ending broken ankle in a moped accident.

“It’s sad news,” UH coach Mike Trapasso told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. “It’s a shame. It’s a shame for Colin. He was doing well for us. And he’s a great kid. And a great worker.”

Ashworth appeared in six games as a middle reliever, serving as a bridge from the starting pitchers to closer Dylan Thomas. Ashworth has a 1.64 earned-run average. He is considered a vocal leader.

Ashworth is the second UH baseball player in two weeks to suffer an injury from a moped accident. Third baseman Ethan Lopez was held out of the recent series because of a wrist injury. Lopez’s availability is in doubt for today’s opener of a four-game series against Seton Hall at Les Murakami Stadium.

Jackson Rees is expected to be UH’s starting pitcher today. Rees was scratched last week because of a recurring broken nail that caused discomfort and blood blisters on the middle finger of his right (pitching) hand. He said the problem began with a little white spot on the nail “and it grew off to the side and it cracked completely. It was a fluke, weird thing.”

He said he was fitted for an artificial acrylic nail. “But that didn’t work because there’s skin underneath,” Rees said.

After seeking several remedies, Rees said, “there wasn’t much I could do. I had to let it heal. … It was a matter of time.”

In Rees’ absence, freshman Cade Smith pitched a three-hitter over 6 1/3 innings for his first collegiate victory. Smith, who held the first 11 ISU batters hitless, did not allow an earned run or walk.

“A huge part of being a successful team is when somebody isn’t able to go … and somebody can come in and pick them up,” Rees said.

Trapasso said Smith earned another start, and will pitch against Seton Hall in either Sunday’s third game or Monday’s finale. Dominic DeMiero will pitch on Saturday. Neil Uskali will be the fourth starter.

Logan Pouelsen, who did not get past the second inning in each of his past two starts, will get a shot as a reliever. Pouelsen’s fastball has consistently reached 90 mph.

“I think (Pouelsen) can help us out of the bullpen because of the type of stuff he has,” Trapasso said.

Pouelsen can fill Ashworth’s spot in middle relief. This year, UH’s middle relievers have combined for a 1.80 ERA. UH’s overall pitching staff is 20th nationally with a 2.81 ERA. Trapasso said left-handed relievers Kyle Hatton and Jeremy Yelland — a finesse pitcher and power hurler, respectively — are “a luxury we haven’t had (in recent seasons). They’re different in how they complement each other and who they might be coming in for. Both of them have been important to us. Before the year’s over, they might be as important as anyone on our staff.”

Trapasso said Seton Hall is a difficult challenge. First baseman Matt Toke has a slash line of .350/.469/.625.The Pirates have grounded into only two double plays in 17 games. They also had a road victory and tie against Oklahoma State.

“They’re a solid club we’ll have to be ready for,” Trapasso said.