HONOLULU – After battling back from an early deficit, the University of Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors baseball team (17-16, 6-2 Big West) fell behind again late on an eighth-inning strike by Cal Poly (20-13, 3-2 Big West) to even the conference series on the 5-4 loss.

The Rainbow Warriors were the first to reach the scoreboard in the bottom of the second. Eric Ramirez led off the frame with a single and moved over on consecutive groundouts. The sophomore first baseman was able to come home from third as Cal Poly outfielders collided on a high fly ball, pushing UH ahead 1-0.

However, a comeback single shot that ricocheted off starter Kyle Von Ruden, clipping his throwing hand, took its toll on his control by the third frame, as Cal Poly got to him for two singles and a rare hit batter setting up for a Michael Sanderson two-run single to left field for the 2-1 lead.

The Mustangs would strike again in the fourth, using a Brett Binning one-out walk to grow their lead on a Kyle Marinconz first-pitch bullet doubled down the first base line. Brett Barbier brought him home five pitches later on an RBI single up the middle, giving the Mustangs their largest lead at 4-1.

The 'Bows refused to stay down for long, as a walk and consecutive singles gave the 'Bows the opportunity to edge back into the game in the home half of the fourth. Designated hitter Ethan Lopez tacked up one run on an RBI fielder's choice. Center fielder Matt LoCoco's bases-loaded RBI single then trimmed the Cal Poly advantage to one run, scratching catcher Kekai Rios across, but Lopez was tagged at the plate going in for the tie run.

Back at it in the bottom of the fifth, top hitter Jacob Sheldon-Collins launched a first-pitch double to the left center alley, while Ramirez followed suit with a first-pitch RBI single up the middle to knot the score at four-all.

After pitching four outstanding innings of relief and giving only one hit, southpaw Lawrence Chew allowed the Mustangs a two-out, four-pitch walk in the eighth, plunking the following batter as well. A third straight batter to reach, Marinconz collected his fourth hit of the day, bringing home the go-ahead run on an RBI single to center field.

The Rainbow Warriors went to right-hander Cody Culp to shut down Cal Poly and take care of business in the ninth.

Faced with one final opportunity in the home half of the ninth, LoCoco led off with a single and moved over on a sacrifice bunt. Representing the tie run, he was stranded at second as Binning scooped a Marcus Doi grounder to secure the 5-4 Cal Poly win.

Von Ruden was granted the no decision after 3.2 innings pitched, allowing eight hits, while Chew (0-2) took the loss, going 4.0 total with two hits, one run, three strikeouts and two walks. Culp allowed no hits in 1.1 innings of relief.

Earning the win, Justin Bruihl (1-2) threw 1.2 innings, allowing three hits in eight batters faced. Spencer Howard earned his first save, taking over with one out in the ninth.

Ramirez went 2-for-3 with two runs and an RBI to pace the 'Bows, while Johnny Weeks was 3-for-4 on the night.
The Rainbow Warriors and Mustangs return to action on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. for the rubber game at Les Murakami Stadium.

 
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