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SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.—The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (12-21, 3-4 Big West) baseball team fell victim to a late-game comeback at the hands of the Cal Poly (12-18, 2-2 Big West), with big innings allowing the Mustangs to surmount an early five-run UH lead on Friday (April 10) afternoon at Baggett Stadium.

The Rainbow Warriors got to work early on offense and began to build their lead in the third inning. Catcher Chayce Ka'aua sparked the Rainbow Warriors, leading off with a single and moving to third as catcher Brett Barbier sailed a throw to first. Right fielder Alan Baldwin's infield RBI single cashed in the scoring opportunity, sending Ka'aua home for the 1-0 advantage.

The 'Bows created more opportunities and capitalized again in the fourth, jumpstarted by designated hitter Alex Sawelson's leadoff single, going on to score as a Casey Bloomquist wild pitch took a hot bounce over Barbier.

UH went on to make it three straight scoring frames, getting started on consecutive singles from Jacob-Sheldon Collins and Stephen Ventimilia, setting the stage for an RBI single through the right side from center fielder Kaeo Aliviado. The lead expanded quickly to 5-0, as Sawelson and first baseman Eric Ramirez tacked up consecutive RBI.

The Mustangs were down five runs, but hardly out, as Brian Mundell changed the game's feel with a single swing, narrowing the UH lead to two runs and shifting the momentum of the entire game with a three-run homer to left center—the first of Brewster's career and the first against UH since the opening game against New Mexico State on March 19.

With Bloomquist retired, Taylor Chris took over on the mound for the Mustangs, limiting the 'Bows to just one hit in two innings, granting the CP offense enough cushion to mount a game-changing comeback.

In the bottom of the sixth, a leadoff walk issued by starter LJ Brewster set the stage for a scoring swing. Left-hander Matt Valencia entered in relief and the Mustangs got to him quickly, generating four runs off two (2) hits and two (2) walks to pull ahead 7-5. Cody Culp stepped in to close off the frame and held the Mustangs for the final two frames.

However, the Cal Poly bullpen proved up to the task as well, with Chris combining with Danny Zandova to shut down the UH offense for four innings. Zandova proved most effective, striking out 5-of-6 'Bows he faced, including the final three in the ninth, earning his fifth save in securing the 7-5 final margin.

For UH, Valencia (0-2) takes the loss. Brewster went five (5.0) innings, allowing five (5) hits and four (4) earned runs, walking five (5) and striking out three (3).

Chris (1-0) picks up the win on two (2.0) innings of work, striking out two (2).

At the plate, Sawelson was 2-for-4 with an RBI, while Marcus Doi was 2-for-3 and Ka'aua was 2-for-4 with a runs scored.

With Cal Poly taking the 1-0 series lead, the Rainbow Warriors and Mustangs will return to action on Saturday (April 11) at Baggett Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:00 p.m. PT (3:00 p.m. HT).