LA JOLLA, Calif. – Backed by another strong start from
Isaiah Magdaleno and an early offensive surge, the Hawai'i baseball team bounced back to defeat Big West leader UC San Diego, 6-3, on Friday night at Triton Ballpark.
The Rainbow Warriors (16-12, 6-8 Big West) wasted no time erasing the frustration of Thursday's narrow defeat, jumping out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning when
Draven Nushida launched a two-run home run to right field. Hawai'i doubled its advantage in the second frame, utilizing a
Ben Zeigler-Namoa RBI single to make it 3-0, before
Taylor Takata hustled home on a rundown following a
Tate Shimao fly ball to add on.
Zeigler-Namoa paced the offensive attack, matching a career-high in hits going 4-for-5 at the plate with a triple, an RBI, and a run scored. Shimao added a multi-hit performance, while the 'Bows capitalized on a Triton error in the fifth inning to plate two crucial insurance runs and extend the lead to 6-1.
That early run support was more than enough for Magdaleno (4-2). The right-hander anchored Hawai'i's pitching staff by tossing six gutsy innings. Magdaleno scattered just three hits and struck out five, allowing a solo home run in the fourth inning while working around four walks to pick up the victory.
The Hawai'i bullpen effectively protected the comfortable lead.
Grant Garman fired two hitless innings of relief with three strikeouts before handing the ball off in the ninth.
UC San Diego (13-14, 9-2 Big West) scratched across a pair of runs in the final frame on a two-run double, but reliever
Tsubasa Tomii induced a pair of flyouts to extinguish the late threat and secure the win.
The UH offense turned in another consistent effort, banging out double-digit hits and scoring at least six runs for the fourth consecutive game. The 13 hits also matched a season high while the 'Bows struck out just once all game - the low count for the season.
The Rainbow Warriors will go for the series victory Saturday at 11 a.m. HT.
Hekili Robello (5-1, 2.48) will be on the mound for the 'Bows.
