University of Hawaii baseball coach Mike Trapasso reaches 500 wins

In a milestone that was 18 years in the making, the Hawaii baseball team defeated Cal Baptist 6-2 for the 500th victory of Mike Trapasso’s coaching career.

“It’s OK,” Trapasso said of the achievement that came in his 991st game since being hired as UH’s head coach in 2002. “For any success I’ve had, the players get the credit and God gets the glory. Outside of that, I’m trying to get 501 on Friday.”

The Rainbow Warriors continue their 13-day road trip with Friday’s opening of a three-game series against Cal Poly, the Big West’s leader.

“Honestly, I was just glad we played well,” Trapasso said of Tuesday’s nonconference game at Totman Stadium in Riverside, Calif. “We played a pretty clean game, and that was more important than anything else. It was good to get back into the win column after a tough loss on Sunday, and to get ready for Cal Poly, which is sitting in first place.”

The ’Bows, who improved to 19-22, entered without their top two shortstops.

Maaki Yamazaki was not available because of a sore right (throwing) shoulder. Third baseman Ethan Lopez, who is the backup shortstop, was suspended after being ejected from Sunday’s game for running into the Cal State Northridge catcher.

Instead of a complete shuffle, Trapasso opted to move backup second baseman Jack Kennelly to shortstop and start designated hitter Logan Pouelsen at third base.

Kennelly showed range, and Pouelsen made two nice pickups on slow rollers and an acrobatic over-the-shoulder catch down the left-field line.

“I said it before, but Logan is a really good athlete,” Trapasso said of the 235-pound Pouelsen. “He’ll surprise people. He has great hands. He doesn’t have the best range, but he’s quicker than people think.”

The ’Bows seized a 5-0 lead in the first inning, with all the runs coming with two outs. Dallas Duarte’s two-run single and four walks sparked the outburst.

“You get a five-run lead before your first pitcher goes out there, the pitchers can relax,” Trapasso said. “They know they don’t have to be perfect. They end up throwing better.”

Trapasso planned to staff the game, predetermining to use several pitchers. But Li‘i Pontes did not allow a run in the first three innings. Dominic DeMiero followed with two scoreless innings, retiring all six batters he faced. DeMiero, who was making his first appearance in 23 days, had command with his change-up.

“If we can get him back in the mix, throwing like the Dominic we know and love, I think that will really help us this last month of the season,” Trapasso said.

After Kash Koltermann relinquished a one-out triple to close the Lancers to 6-2 in the eighth, closer Dylan Thomas was called in. Thomas had consecutive three-pitch strikeouts to quell that threat. Thomas also retired all three batters he faced in the ninth, striking out two more.

“We’ve seen Dylan like that for three years, but he really was at the top of his game tonight,” Trapasso said. “I don’t think there’s a term for extra dominant, but that’s what he was.”

After the game, UH posted on social media a video tribute to Trapasso. Former coaches and players offered their congratulations.

“That was pretty cool to see them take the time to do that,” Trapasso said. “That was pretty special.”