Hawaii survives in 10 innings to win USF series

Eric Ramirez hit the go-ahead two-run double in the top of the 10th inning and Matt Valencia got the final two outs with the bases loaded to give Hawaii a wild 9-7 extra-inning victory over San Francisco today to win the series at Louis Guisto Field in Moraga, Calif.

Hawaii (4-5) blew a three-run lead in the ninth and nearly did it again in the 10th. USF had the bases loaded with one out but Valencia got a strikeout and a fielder’s choice on a close play at second to end the game and earn the save.

Kekai Rios went 3-for-4 with a career-high four runs scored. The UH freshman started all three games of the series at catcher and hit .538 (7-for-13) against the Dons (1-8) with a double, five runs and four RBIs.

UH scored six runs over the final four innings. Matt LoCoco broke a 4-4 tie with a two-out, two-run double in the eighth and Josh Rojas doubled in a run with two outs in the ninth to make it 7-4.

UH starter Alex Hatch worked 6 1/3 innings allowing four runs — two earned — on eight hits with a walk and five strikeouts.

Hawaii also blew a two-run lead in the ninth inning on Saturday.

Jacob Sheldon-Collins finished 3-for-6 with a run and an RBI despite making two more errors to give him five in the series.

Ramirez was 2-for-4 with two walks and Alex Fitchett doubled, drove in two runs and was walked twice.

Hawaii will play its next 19 games at home starting Thursday against West Virginia (5-1), which swept UNLV this weekend.