Box score
HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i baseball team defeated No. 28 Wichita State tonight, 8-7, in a 12-inning thriller. The Rainbows (12-13) scored on a bases loaded fielders choice to take the series opener over the Shockers (17-9).
With the bases loaded in the 12th inning, Kalani Brackenridge (1 H, 1 R, 1 RBI) hit a grounder to Shocker shortstop Tyler Grimes (2 H, 2 R, 1 RBI). Grimes attempted to throw out Michael Blake (1 H, 1 R) at home but the throw was late as Blake scored and the 'Bows walked away with the win.
Breland Almadova recorded a season-high three base hits for UH, batting 3-4 with one run. Garrett Champion and Zack Swasey each batted 2-5 with two RBI, with Swasey adding one run scored.
Preston Springer led WSU with three hits, one run, and two RBI.
Wichita State opened the game with two runs in the first inning, but UH battled back to tie the game in the fourth inning. The two teams scored a combined nine runs over the next two innings, highlighted by Sean Montplaisir's two-RBI double in the sixth inning to cut the Shocker lead to 7-6.
A sacrifice fly by Swasey in the bottom of the ninth sent the game to extra innings, and Brackenridge's grounder in the 12th inning gave UH its first lead and the win.
Chance Sossamon (0-1) received the loss for WSU and Lenny Linsky (1-1) earned the win for UH.
There were 2,421 tickets sold for the contest, and a turnstile count of 1,182.
The 'Bows and Shockers continue their series tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.
-UH-
