Perhaps coach Kallen Miyataki is old school, because he’s still thinking one game at a time.
In this apparent new chapter of UH-Hilo baseball, he has every right to think in terms of twos or even dozens, almost.
Courtesy of a comeback and a pitching gem Saturday, the Vulcans put a pair of unwanted streaks to rest, sweeping a doubleheader at Fresno Pacific, winning 7-4 and 2-1.
Keaau High graduate Jonathan Segovia was clutch with five hits on the day, and left-hander Kyle Alcoran delivered 7 1/3 smooth innings in the second game.
In getting the road portion of their schedule off to a raucous start, UH-Hilo (11-11, 7-7 Pacific West Conference) reached double digits in the win column for the first time since 2015 behind the first doubleheader sweep on the road since Miyataki took the reins of the program in 2014.
“The biggest thing right now is the players are believing in themselves,” Miyataki said.
A six-run rally with two outs in the ninth inning of the opener only amped up the belief system.
Segovia led off the ninth off with a single and eventually scored on Mana Manago’s single and a throwing error. Jaryn Kanbara tied the game with a two-run single, Kyle Yamada’s bases-loaded walk gave the Vuls the lead and Segovia’s second hit of the inning and another error brought in two more runs.
“They don’t give up,” Miyataki said. “They keep on trucking.”
There were no needs for a comeback against the Sunbirds (9-11, 6-8) in the second game thanks to Alcorn (2-0), who struck out three and allowed allowed only four hits, an unearned run and a walk, lowering his ERA to 1.85.
Miyataki credited assistants Marvin Min, James Hirayama and Jensen Sato with giving Alcorn a winning game plan.
“After that, the pitchers just need to execute the plan,” Miyataki said.
Segovia hit an RBI single as UHH scored both of its runs in the fifth.
John Kea got four outs for his third save after Cole Nakachi (2-0) and Deric Valoroso (first save) came through and combined three scoreless innings in relief of Dylan Spain.
In six innings, Spain struck out seven and walked two. He was touched for a solo home run by Ross Dodds, allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned).
The teams play another doubleheader Monday.
In the middle of a 20-game homestand, senior shortstop Tribune-Herald his goal was for UHH to get to at least 10 wins.
Asked of the Vulcans were coming up with any new goals, Miyataki simply said, “One game at a time.”
Or two.
In the middle of a season-opening 20-game home sa
