HILO, Hawai'i – Designated hitter Trent Jackson capped a 2-for-3 night by sending everyone home with a walk-off sacrifice fly to deep right field to bring Joshua Fuentes home for the game-winning score in the bottom of the ninth as the Hawai'i Hilo baseball team moved to 2-0 with a 4-3 win over No. 15 Augustana Thursday evening at Francis Wong Stadium.
The score was tied at 2-2 heading into the eighth inning as the Vikings were able to jump ahead with a two-out RBI double to center field by Luke Ballweg.
But the Vulcans answered right back with a lead-off single to right field by Jackson followed by back-to-back bunts — a single and an error — to load the bases. RJ Soria pinch hit for the second consecutive game and brought in the tying run on a tough tweener pop up to left field to allow Jackson to score safely on the tag up.
In the final frame, the Vulcans quickly loaded the bases with a lead-off walk to Fuentes, an intentional walk to Casey Yamauchi — his second of the game — and a full-count walk to JP Tilley.
Other Notables
- Centerfielder Bradyn Yoshida recorded three putouts and got Hawai'i Hilo on the scoreboard in the second inning with a two-out single to center field as Sy Stephens beat the throw home from second base for the first run.
- Catcher Cody Min brought in the Vulcans' second run with a one-out fielder's choice up the middle as he beat the throw on the Vikings' double-play attempt, allowing Tilley to score from third base.
- Blake Tweedt had six putouts in right field with Tilley getting three in left field. Fuentes finished with two putouts and two assists.
- Five Vulcans made appearances on the mound with starter Eamon Velarde going the farthest with 3.0 innings pitched and allowing the lone walk of the night. Christian Wood got the win.
What's Next
Hawai'i Hilo improved to 2-0 overall, 0-0 PacWest while Augustana moved to an 0-2 record (0-0 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference).
The Vulcans and Vikings will continue its five-game series Friday, Feb. 3 at Francis Wong Stadium with a doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. followed by a seven-inning game.
The two teams will conclude the series Saturday with a single game starting at noon.
