Vulcans split at Biola, cap most successful season since 1989

UH-Hilo split a pair of one-run games against Biola to finish with a 26-19 record and second place in the PacWest, the best season since the 1989 Vulcan team went 28-17-1 and qualified for the NAIA World Series.

The Vulcans have a slim shot at an NCAA Division II West regional berth. The West region’s three champions, PacWest, CCAA, GNAC, will claim automatic qualifying spots. The West region poll will determine the three other spots.

UHH won the first game 6-5 and lost the second game 2-1 on Friday at La Mirada, Calif., where the Eagles won three of four in the non-conference series. Biola (29-19) took six of eight games and is not eligible for NCAA postseason play.

In the first game, UHH relied on a four-run fifth inning, and 2 2/3 shutout innings from the bullpen. Devan Elson recorded two outs for the win, and John Kea pitched a scoreless ninth for his 10th save. Brandyn Lee-Lehano pitched a scoreless eighth.

Travis Burleson started and gave up five runs in 6 1/3 innigs. He allowed nine hits and four walks and struck out five.

Kobie Russell drove in three runs, Mana Manago batted 2 for 3 with two RBIs, and Kyle Yamada scored two runs for the Vuls, who had eight hits.

In the seven-inning second game, Kyle Alcron went the distance in the loss. In six innings, he gave up two runs on three hits and one walk and whiffed five.

Jaryn Kanbara had two hits for UHH, which finished with four hits.

Dallas Burk went the distance for the win.