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RIVERSIDE, Calif.—The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (20-26, 11-9 Big West) baseball squad extended its win streak with a fifth-straight victory on Friday at the Riverside Sports Complex, clinching the series with a 6-2 victory over UC Riverside (13-34, 2-15 Big West). Hawai'i jumped out early and extended its lead late in the game, as the pitching staff produced another solid outing.

The Rainbow Warrior offense made an early statement to the Highlanders, opening with Stephen Ventimilia's leadoff double down the left field line in the first frame. Reaching third on an Alan Baldwin sacrifice bunt, the senior second baseman put in the initial UH run on a bobbled ball by UCR third baseman Adonis Morrison.

Designated hitter Alex Sawelson followed up with an RBI triple to right center, bringing Kaeo Aliviado in from first for the score. First baseman Eric Ramirez gave the 'Bows a healthy lead, capping off the inning with an RBI single to left field.

In the home half, the UC Riverside offense was also quick to start, surprisingly breaking through against starter Tyler Brashears after just two batters. Edgar Morales coaxed out a leadoff full count walk and advanced to third on a wild pitch, putting the Highlanders on the board during a Robby Witt grounder. The Highlanders halted a Brashears scoreless streak of 21 innings with the run.

Recovering quickly from a shaky start against the 'Bows, UCR starter Kevin Sprague settled in, keeping Hawai'i at bay through four scoreless innings.
In the meantime, the Highlander's picked up another score in the fifth, trimming the UH advantage to a single run on Witt's RBI double down the first base line, drawing the contest to a 3-2 game.

Hawai'i was quick to respond, capitalizing on a one-out double by left fielder Marcus Doi, taking the run back on a Jonathan Weeks' RBI single to right field. The 'Bows extended their lead twice more, scoring in the seventh off a Ramirez sacrifice fly, and again in the ninth as Sawelson scored on a wild pitch after doubling to right center.

Taking over for Brashears in the eighth, Quintin Torres-Costa proved clutch in relief, striking out the first two men he faced, overcoming a single, and error and a walk to earn his eighth save—seventh in as many games—and hold off UCR for the 6-2 victory.

The two-time reigning Big West Pitcher of the Week, Brashears (8-4) earned the win, pitching 7.1 innings and allowing nine (9) hits and two (2) runs, issuing three (3) walks and striking out four (4).

Taking the loss for UCR, Sprague (3-6) worked 6.1 innings, allowing nine (9) hits for five (5) runs (four earned), giving no walks and striking out four (4).

At the plate, six batters accounted for 11 Hawai'i base hits, led by the upstart, Weeks. The Long Beach, California freshman third baseman hit 3-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. Ramirez collected a pair of RBI on 1-for-4 hitting, while Sawelson scored two (2) runs and batted in another on 2-for-4 hitting—a double and a triple for the UH junior.

With the win, UH goes to 2-0 against UCR, clinching the series, and remain a perfect 5-0 on this road swing that started at Long Beach State last weekend. The Rainbow Warriors and Highlanders return to action on Saturday at 6 p.m. PT (3:00 p.m. HT) at the Riverside Sports Complex. The game will be broadcast on ESPN Honolulu 1420 AM, again with Mel Proctor on the call.