Hilo, Hawaii – A season opening split with the University of Kansas has gotten the University of Hawaii at Hilo off to a good start as the Vulcans produced 18 hits along with a solid pitching performance.

The Vulcans won their first season open since 2000 with a 7-3 victory. Kansas rode a six-run sixth to take game two, 9-5.

“We put up some hits and runs,” UHH Baseball Coach Joey Estrella said. “Our pitchers are in such good shape, when we can go five innings in the first outing is a tribute to them and coach Sagara.”

John Matson got the start and win in game one. The 6-foot-6 lefty gave up one run over five innings allowing seven hits and two walks while striking out four.

Matson had troubled but worked out of two bases loaded jams. He ended a fourth inning threat by striking out two batters. In the fifth, he got Travis Metcalf to lift a ball to left to derail another run producing threat.

Austin Tobin pitched one inning giving up a run on two hits. Dave Daniel struggled in his first appearance walking four and striking out two in one inning.

Tyson Usui started the second game and gave up five hits and three runs before the Jayhawks opened up the fifth inning for six runs. Marc Caviglia closed the inning before turning over the reigns to Tobin. Tobin completed the final 1.2 innings without allowing a runner to reach base.

“He threw like 20 pitches in the first game and never got cold,” Estrella said. “If he can start doing that for us, he’s going to be quite a good reliever for us.”

At the plate, Johnny Dudoit was 5 for 5 before striking out in his last at bat. He also had a double and two RBI. Tom Henderson was 5 for 7 with three RBI.