SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Behind a masterful performance from starting pitcher
Isaiah Magdaleno, the Hawai'i baseball team manufactured a stunning ninth-inning comeback to defeat UC Santa Barbara, 2-1, in the series opener Friday at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium.
The Rainbow Warriors (11-9, 2-5 Big West) overcame what was a dominant effort by the Gaucho pitching staff through eight innings to break through for two runs in the ninth, capped off by an
Elijah Ickes go-ahead RBI single. UH also handed UCSB its first home loss of the season after the Gauchos won their first 11 at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium in 2026.
Magdaleno delivered eight strong innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out six. After surrendering a run in the second inning on a wild pitch, the right-hander allowed just four baserunners over his final six frames, at one point setting down nine consecutive Gauchos to keep Hawai'i within striking distance.
For seven innings, the Hawai'i offense was held in check by UCSB starter Jackson Flora, who limited the 'Bows to a single hit while fanning 12. However, the Rainbow Warriors finally came alive in the top of the ninth against reliever Cole Tryba.
Gabe Wright ignited the rally with a one-out single and moved to second when
Ben Zeigler-Namoa drew a walk.
The pressure forced a critical error by Gauchos second baseman Cade Goldstein, allowing Wright to score on a ball thrown out of play to tie the game. Moments later, Ickes delivered the decisive blow, lining a clutch RBI single to left field to score Zeigler-Namoa and vault Hawai'i into a 2-1 lead.
John Alkire II entered in the bottom of the ninth and slammed the door with a perfect frame, punctuated by a game-ending strikeout of Noah Karliner to earn his third save of the season.
It marks the second time this season that UH has erased a ninth-inning deficit to win, and the third time that Ickes has had a hand in a go-ahead play in the ninth inning this year. Magdaleno continued to show why he is one of the top pitchers in the conference, going toe-to-toe with potential first-round pick Flora. He has worked five or more innings in all six starts while UH improved to 5-1 on the year in Magdaleno's outings.
The Rainbow Warriors and Gauchos will play game two of the series Saturday at 12:05 p.m. HT (ESPN+).
