79
JAMM AQUINO/JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM
Hawaii outfielder Alan Baldwin (6), is embraced by pitcher Casey Ryan (31) as Hawaii celebrates after the ninth inning. Hawaii came from behind in the bottom of the ninth inning to win 3-2.
Alan Baldwin singled home the tying run and an error allowed Kekai Rios to cross with the game-winner as Hawaii scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to defeat Santa Clara 3-2 tonight at Les Murakami Stadium.
Matt LoCoco went 2-for-4 with a triple and a run scored for Hawaii (11-13), which had three hits entering the last inning.
Eric Ramirez led off with a base hit but was thrown out at second on Marcus Doi’s bunt attempt. Rios was hit by a pitch with two outs to put runners on first and second for Baldwin, who dumped a single into right-center.
Kert Woods misplayed the ball giving Rios time to score to end it.
Cody Culp (1-1) worked out of a jam in the eighth inning and pitched the final 1 2/3 innings to earn the win.
Alex Hatch pitched a career-high 7 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts.
Jake Brodt hit a solo homer and Tyler Meditz went 2-for-4 with a double, triple and run scored for the Broncos (9-12).
Game was pretty ho-hum for us UH fans – UNTIL Baldwins bottom of the ninth, two outs, two strikes line drive into the outfield, and the hustle of the two base runners (helped by the bobble by their outfielder, who was spot-on until then). Then the stands erupted, the UH dugout emptied, and that picture above says it all.