Hawaii Shuts Down Cal State Fullerton in Elimination Game
FULLERTON, CA – The University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors showcased a dominant performance in an elimination game at the Big West Conference baseball tournament, defeating Cal State Fullerton Titans 16-4 on Friday night. With a season-high 19 hits, Hawaii eliminated its third opponent since Sunday, adding the Titans to a growing list that includes UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara.
The fourth-seeded Rainbow Warriors (35-20) now face Cal Poly (38-17) in another must-win matchup on Saturday. The Mustangs, who recently suffered a heavy loss to UC Irvine, are eager to rebound against a confident Hawaii team that has battled through adversity over the past few weeks.
Coach Rich Hill praised his team’s resilience, highlighting the significance of their triumph at Fullerton. "Coming to Cal State Fullerton and winning a Friday night game in that fashion is very impressive," Hill said. The Rainbow Warriors, during their impressive run, have proven to be a "scary team" as they look toward an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
The game saw standout performances from several players, including Jordan Donahue and Kamana Nahaku, who each hit home runs in a pivotal five-run seventh inning. Donahue emphasized the team’s focus on taking things "pitch by pitch," despite the high stakes.
Hawaii continued to push in the ninth inning, scoring six additional runs to match their season-high offensive output. Stellar defensive plays further showcased the team’s depth, with significant contributions from players like Matthew Miura and Isaiah Magdaleno, who secured the win despite pitching challenges.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the Rainbow Warriors as they prepare to take on Cal Poly, with hopes of continuing their remarkable playoff journey.
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