KANE'OHE, Hawai'i – The Hawai'i Hilo Softball team one-upped itself with back-to-back walk-off victories for a sweep of Western Oregon, 5-4 and 4-3, Saturday afternoon in non-conference play at HPU's Howard A. Okita Field.
Makena Nera delivered a bases-loaded base hit to right-center field to cap Game 1 before Victoria Macias provided a two-run jack over the left-center field fence for the double victories over the Wolves.
Madison Rabe earned both wins in the pitching circle to move to a 3-0 record.
GAME 1: WESTERN OREGON 4 - HAWAI'I HILO 5
- A lead-off walk to start the game led to the Wolves getting on the scoreboard first with a subsequent squeeze bunt for a 1-0 lead.
- In the bottom of the first, the Vulcans drew three straight walks and cashed in runs on a sacrifice fly plus two defensive errors and an additional walk to take a 4-1 advantage.
- Western Oregon managed to tie the score in the sixth inning with five base hits.
- Two walks and a single set up juiced bases with one out in the bottom of the seventh. Makena Nera popped a hit over the second baseman's head into right-center field to walk the Wolves off for the victory.
- Madison Rabe went the distance, giving up just one walk and five hits with one strikeout.
GAME 2: WESTERN OREGON 3 - HAWAI'I HILO 4
- Hawai'i Hilo again started strong at the plate, getting consecutive base hits and a walk to load the bases in the bottom of the first. Dyoni Garcia smashed a hit to right-center field to bring two runs across.
- Nursing a one-run lead heading into the final inning, Western Oregon managed to take the lead with three singles for a 3-2 lead.
- Lexie Tilton singled to put the tying run on base. Victoria Macias took a 2-1 offering and smashed the ball over the left-center field fence for the walk-off victory.
- Tehani Seto got the start in the pitching circle, going 3.2 innings with just one walk and one earned run allowed before Madison Rabe closed out the game for her third win on the season.
UP NEXT
Hawai'i Hilo moved to a 5-1 record (0-0 Pacific West Conference) while HPU moved to 3-7 overall (0-0 Great Northwest Athletic Conference).
The Vulcans will be back to O'ahu next weekend for more games against HPU, Feb. 24-25, before returning to the Big Island to host Dominican (March 1-2).
VIDEO STREAM PACKAGES
The Hawai'i Hilo Softball team will have 14 home games available to be viewed online in partnership with Out of the Sea Media Arts Inc.
Single-game viewing will be priced at $7.50 with a season-package offering of $78.75.
More information is available at HiloAthletics.com/LiveStream.
