Feb. 23, 2008

Final Stats | Box score in pdf

KONA, Hawaii -

Hawaii-Hilo scored seven runs with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning to rout Kansas, 12-4 in the second game of a doubleheader played Saturday at Simmons Field in Kona, Hawaii. The Vulcans won the earlier game 4-3 in extra innings.

UHH improves to 3-3 overall, while the Jayhawks fall to 1-2 on the young season.

After taking a 2-1 lead in the top of the fourth, the Jayhawks experienced a nightmare inning in the fifth.

The Vulcans sent 12 men to the plate in the inning, collecting seven runs on four hits with the aid of four walks and a hit batsman. After UHH took a 4-2 lead a bases loaded walk and a two-run single by Dayne Ogawa, the Jayhawks appeared to escape further damage when relief pitcher T.J. Walz induced an apparent inning-ending fly out to right field. However, a balk was called prior to the pitch, scoring the Vulcans' fourth run of the inning. On the next pitch, Kenoi Manago drove in another run with a double down the left field line.

After a walk and a hit batsman, Shane Kessel gave the home team an 8-2 lead with another two-run single.

KU rallied from an early deficit with two runs in the top of the fourth on a sacrifice bunt and an RBI single by Justin Ellrich. The senior first baseman was one of five Jayhawks with a hit in the game. Senior Erik Morrison was 2-for-5, while Casey Larson collected a pair of RBIs.

Sophomore Thomas Marcin was the lone bright spot on the mound, pitching 2 1/3 innings of hitless relief, allowing just an unearned run and striking out three.

The Jayhawks will look to bounce back with another doubleheader Sunday beginning at 2 p.m. CST at Simmons Field.