Hawaii Baseball Team Approaches Big West Tournament with Win Over UC San Diego
HONOLULU — The Hawaii baseball team secured a critical 6-3 victory against UC San Diego on Thursday night, bringing them one win away from clinching a spot in the Big West Conference Tournament. The game at Les Murakami Stadium drew 2,253 fans and showcased the team’s effective hitting and small-ball strategies.
With this win, Hawaii (32-18, 15-13 BWC) is aiming to secure either the 4th or 5th seed in the tournament, as the opportunity for the 3rd seed has slipped away following Cal State Fullerton’s win over UC Irvine. Coach Rich Hill emphasized the importance of focusing on immediate execution rather than the implications of the victory. “We’re just going to keep the main thing, the main thing,” Hill said.
Hawaii, currently tied with UC Santa Barbara for the fourth spot, must win at least one of the remaining games against UCSD (14-14) to ensure a spot in the tournament, especially with Long Beach State owning the tiebreaker over them after finishing their schedule.
Pitching played a crucial role in the win, with standout performances from Freddy Rodriguez and Isaiah Magdaleno, the latter securing a save with three strikeouts in the ninth inning. Key offensive contributions came from senior shortstop Jordan Donahue, who delivered a pivotal two-run single, and right fielder Jared Quandt, who went 3-for-3, raising his average to .324.
As the team prepares for another match-up on Friday, the urgency is clear: one more win solidifies their chance at postseason play. Players and coaches echo a sentiment of focus and determination as they look ahead, with an additional opportunity to secure a place on Sunday if needed.
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