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RIVERSIDE, Calif.—The University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors (21-26, 12-9 Big West) injected a little drama early in Saturday's series finale at UC Riverside (13-35, 2-16 Big West), but still got the job done, registering consecutive big innings to roll to a 9-2 victory and complete their second consecutive conference sweep.

Facing Hawai'i starter Jarrett Arakawa, UC Riverside Left fielder Vince Fernandez opened up with a double for the Highlanders, coming home on an AJ Sawyer RBI single to claim the first UCR lead of the series.

Highlanders starter Antonio Gonzales kept the Rainbow Warriors contained for two frames, but as catcher Chayce Ka'aua ricocheted a grounder off his chest, the Hawai'i offense came to life. Shortstop Jacob Sheldon-Collins followed with a single, and the pair crossed the dish as second baseman Stephen Ventimilia reached on a two-run error. Stealing third, Ventimilia capped the scoring on an Alan Baldwin RBI single to left field.

UCR reclaimed one run in the bottom of the inning. Second baseman Cody Sporrer converted as the third consecutive base hit with an RBI single through the left side, trimming the Hawai'i advantage to 3-2.

Anticipated to be making a short appearance, Gonzales kept the 'Bows quiet through four additional scoreless innings, but found himself in trouble in the seventh. Marcus Doi and Ka'aua opened with consecutive singles and Jonathan Weeks loaded the bases with a fielder's choice play.

Sheldon-Collins collected his second base knock of the day, lining a two-run single to right field, sparking a big inning for Hawai'i. After bringing Jared Morton from the bullpen, UC Riverside opted to intentionally walk Kaeo Aliviado to load the bases once again with two outs. Alex Sawelson made them pay for the call, launching a two-run single to left field, bringing in Ventimilia and Weeks for the 7-2 lead.

Facing reliever Jordan Kron, Hawai'i extended its lead again in the eighth, as Sheldon-Collins cashed in his third hit of the game, bringing in Matt LoCoco with an RBI single through the right side. Ventimilia added a sacrifice fly and the Hawai'i took the 9-2 lead.

Relieving Arakawa in the fourth, Kyle Von Ruden (2-3) made his first appearance of the month, going the rest of the way, allowing only three (3) hits and striking out three (3) in 5.1 innings of action.

With the victory, the Rainbow Warrior swept consecutive opponents and logged back-to-back Big West sweeps for the first time since 2006, when UH was perfect against Louisiana Tech and then San Jose State.

Taking the loss, Gonzales threw six (6.0) full innings, allowing nine (9) hits and six (6) runs (four earned) with a strikeouts.

At the plate, Hawai'i tallied 13 hits from seven batters. Sheldon-Collins led the way for UH, hitting 3-for-3 with three (3) RBI and one (1) run, capping off an .800-hitting series (8-for-10, 4 RBI, 2 R).

Sawelson also hit 2-for-5 with two (2) RBI and Ventimilia was 1-for-4 with two (2) RBI and two (2) runs scored.

The Rainbow Warriors wrap up the Big West slate next week against conference leader Cal State Fullerton at Les Murakami Stadium. The eight (8) UH seniors will be honored following Sunday's game.