Hilo, Hawaii – Pitching alone won't win baseball games but it's a start as the University of Hawaii at Hilo dropped a series opening 2-1 game to the University of Kansas at Simmons' Field.

Clayton Uyechi gave up just two runs on six hits and four walks to keep the Vulcans in the close game. In only his second start of the season, the junior right hander also struck out four in his 6.1 innings on the mound.

Senior lefty Emil DeAndreis held the Jayhawks (1-0) hitless over the final 2.2 innings while striking out two and walking none.

"They both did well," UHH head coach Joey Estrella said. "From that standpoint I'm pleased with our pitching."

T.J. Brown gave the Vulcans (1-3) a 1-0 lead in the third. Keoni Manago started the inning with a single to center then moved to second on Ronel Trias' sacrifice bunt. Brown then punched the ball over the right-side of the infield to drive in Manago.

Ryne Price's double drove in the tying run in the fourth. In the sixth, Price raced home on a high-fly single to give the Jayhawks (1-0) the win.

The Vulcans had opportunities to score when they stranded two runners in scoring position with one out in the sixth and a man on third with one out in the ninth.

"We didn't take advantage of our scoring opportunities," Estrella said. "We were supposed to execute but didn't. That was the difference."

Peter Rodgers was the only Vulcan to pair hits.