Tribune-Herald
Tribune-Herald
The University of Hawaii at Hilo baseball team overcame a five-run deficit, light snow and chilly temperatures to rally past Dixie State University 8-7 in the first game of a doubleheader Monday to snap its 13-game losing skid.
In the second game at St. George, Utah to close a four-game Pacific West Conference series, the host Red Storm defeated the Vulcans 4-1.
“What a difference a day makes,” UHH coach Joey Estrella said. “The boys really competed today in both games and we got to play all the guys in the doubleheader. It was nice to get back on track and I think we can be competitive with all of the teams in this conference.
“In that first game, it was still cold — in the low 50s — and we had light snow early on. But our guys battled back and it’s sure nice to get that monkey off our back with the losing streak. I think the rest of the trip we’ll play very competitive baseball.”
Two Red Storm hurlers, Stefan Cantwell (5 innings) and Tyler Stone (1 inning), had combined on a no-hitter and the hosts led 5-0 heading into the seventh inning. But the Vulcans (5-19 overall, 2-13 PacWest) manufactured three tough runs in the inning to pull to within 5-3, then scored five runs in the ninth to grab an 8-5 advantage over Dixie State (14-7, 10-5).
“We were able to hold them to two runs in the bottom of the ninth and get the win,” Estrella said, noting reliever Casey Bohlman (4 innings) earned the win and Bryan Raines came on to record a save.
John Abreu led the Vulcans with two hits and a run batted while teammate Keenan Kaluau had a single and two RBIs. Cedric Johnson (3 hits) and Colton Yack (2 hits) led the Red Storm.
In Game 2, the Vulcans fought hard but couldn’t break through on Dixie State starter Jason Holmes, who outdueled UHH starter Tyler Simao. Holmes, who went five strong innings, got the win. Simao, who pitched six innings, took the loss.
“Tyler pitched well today,” Estrella said. “I told him if he continues to pitch like that, he’s going to win some games this year.”
Josh Wong and Brad Fairweather paired hits for UHH. Johnson had a two-run homer and three RBIs for the hosts, which outhit the Vulcans 6-5.
The Vulcans have three days off before playing Grand Canyon University in a pair of twinbills on Friday and Saturday in Phoenix, Ariz.