HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i baseball team dropped a tough 12-6 decision to UC San Diego in the second game of their three-game series on Friday, setting up a must-win showdown on Sunday to keep their Big West Championship hopes alive.
 
UC San Diego struck first, plating two runs in the third inning on a two-RBI double to left center after a leadoff walk and a strikeout wild pitch extended the frame.
 
The 'Bows responded in the bottom half, pushing three runs across to briefly take the lead. After loading the bases on a walk, fielder's choice, and single, Hawai'i capitalized on a pair of wild pitches to score two, with a groundout from Elijah Ickes bringing in a third.
 
The Tritons seized control in the fifth, scoring five runs on just one hit – a bases-clearing triple that put them back on top. Hawai'i cut the deficit in the bottom half when a wild pitch brought in Matthew Miura, but UC San Diego pulled away with two runs in the sixth and three more in the eighth.
 
Hawai'i allowed 12 runs on just six hits while matching a season-high with 15 strikeouts. Cory Ronan turned in a career-high 4.0 innings on the mound, striking out six while allowing three runs. Ethan Thomas followed, fanning five in just 1.2 innings of relief. Ben Zeigler-Namoa led the team at the plate going 3-for-5 with an RBI.
 
The series wraps up Sunday at 1:05 p.m., with the 'Bows facing a winner-takes-all game to claim the series and secure a spot in the 2025 Big West Championship Tournament. Following the game, UH will also honor 13 players with a postgame Senior Night ceremony.
 
Sunday's game is officially sold out, however fans can still purchase select tickets online through SeatGeek. Standing room only tickets will also be available at the door.