HILO, Hawai`i--The visiting Augustana Vikings wrapped up a four-game series with host Hawai`i Hilo similar to the way they started it a few days ago.

The Vikings pounded out 12 hits and pushed a dozen runs across the plate during a 12-6 win over the Vulcans on Saturday afternoon at Wong Stadium. The Vikings opened the series on Thursday with a 15-4 win, and in the four games they scored 40 runs and rapped out 52 hits.

"They have some big boys that can really hit the ball," said head coach Kal Miyataki. "They can pitch it too. They will do very well in their conference."

Augustana (South Dakota) is picked to finish second in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.

Tonight, the Vikings scored single runs in the first, third and fourth innings to take a 3-0 lead against freshman pitcher Travis Burleson. But five total UHH errors made all three of those runs unearned. When the 6-5, 230-pound right-hander left the game after the fifth inning, he had only given up one earned run, four hits and he struck out six. 

The Vikings then unloaded for five runs in the sixth inning and four more in the seventh to seal the verdict with a 12-1 lead. The Vulcans got some offense of their own going in the bottom of the seventh, scoring five times. Phillip Steering had an RBI-single to highlight the rally which included some help from Augustana (error, two wild pitches, two walks).

UH Hilo had eight hits in the game, two each by Kamalu Neal and Mano Manago. Riley Johnson had three hits to pace the 12-hit Viking attack. 

The Vulcans will get the coming week off from action before hosting Saint Martin's in a four-game series that begins on Sunday (Feb. 11) at 6 pm.