FULLERTON, Calif. – Sophomore Dustin Demeter's two-run, 10th-inning triple put the finishing touches on a crucial comeback victory for the University of Hawai'i baseball team (21-14, 7-4 BWC), delivering the series split and a 6-4 lead over Cal State Fullerton (18-19, 5-3 BWC) late on Saturday at Goodwin Field.
 
While Demeter's three-bagger was the killstroke in extra innings, the Rainbow Warriors had to claw back into position for the go-ahead after trailing 4-2. The 'Bows went four innings with barely a baserunner after seeing their mid-game lead surmounted by a big fifth-inning push by the Titans.
 
However, UH came out swinging in the ninth against CSF's All-American closer Brett Conine, tabbing two singles before redshirt senior pinch hitter Chayce Ka'aua stepped into the box with a two-run deficit and the game on the line. Ka'aua smoked a first-pitch comebacker double back at Conine, and Kekai Rios and Dustin Demeter did the rest, both crossing home to knot the score at 4-4, sending the game to extra innings.
 
After reliever Cade Smith held the line for the 'Bows into the ninth, closer Dylan Thomas (2-1) took over and delivered his second victory of the year, UH ending the night on a line drive double play as everything came up 'Bows in the final two frames.
 
The Rainbow Warriors claimed the game's final and first leads. After Hawai'i stranded runners in three consecutive innings early, Demeter wouldn't allow it to be a fourth, making magic happen for the first time while going yard to right field, scoring Rios on the shot.
 
Neil Uskali retired nine consecutive batters to open the game, but after the 'Bows pulled in front, the right-handed senior starter had to work a bit more for it, battling out of a bases-loaded situation to keep the board clear in the fourth. However, with four quick base hits in the fifth, Uskali wasn't as fortunate with the Titans scoring four runs on a Hank LoForte two-RBI double, a Mitchell Berryhill RBI triple and Ruben Cardenas' RBI groundout.
 
After falling behind, the UH offense stalled and things were looking bleak for the 'Bows' comeback chances as the innings remaining in regulation dwindled. However, as Rios collected his fourth hit to open up the eighth, the 'Bows willed themselves into a rally.
 
Demeter had a bat in 4-of-6 Hawai'i runs, going 2-for-4 with his second career four-RBI game. Rios matched his career-best hitting performance from the last road swing at UC Davis, batting 4-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored.
 
Thomas earned the win after 1.2 innings of relief, striking out two with one hit. Smith went 2.1 scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out four.
 
With the win to split the series at 1-1, the Rainbow Warriors slip back into the top spot in the Big West standings, but now share the lead with UC Irvine at 7-4 after earning their second straight win over CSUN. Hawai'i and Cal State Fullerton return to action for the series rubber match on Sunday at Goodwin Field. First pitch is slated for 10:00 a.m. HT.