The University of Hawaii at Hilo dropped a pair of one-run games to Dixie State College in the opening day of a five-game Pacific West Conference series at Wong Stadium in Hilo, 1-0 in 12 innings and 5-4 .
[Game 1] [Game 2]
The Red Storm took advantage of two 12th inning wild pitches to post the first game's only run.
The Vulcans (10-17 overall, 6-12 PacWest) weren't about to give up trailing but just one run. With two out and runners on first and second, Zachary Hamasaki picked up his third single of the game to load the bases. Kekoa Lee stepped up to the plate and drove a shot up middle but it was caught by the Red Storms diving shortstop.
Kekoa Lee gave up just five hits over seven innings in the first game while striking out six and walking four. Richie Mariano gave up five hits over five innings while striking out five and walking one.
With the momentum swinging the Red Storm way, Vulcan pitching gave up four runs in the first two innings of the nightcap on seven hits.
Trailing 1-0 after the first inning, Lee doubled to right field and scored on Steven Riddle's single to tie the game at one.
The Vulcans then gave up three runs on four doubles and a single in the second inning and another run in the third on a walk and a pair of wild pitches.
Keoni Manago opened the third with a triple and scored on a Hamasaki ground out.
Lee picked up his second double of the game in the 6th and scored on Dan Hennigs' double. Bryan Patterson's sacrifice fly ended scoring.
Lee was 3 for 3 to lead the Vulcans.
