NCAA baseball: Oregon vs. Hawaii, Game 3

On another crazy night in windy Manoa, the Rainbow Warriors overcame a 5-0 deficit, gave up the lead, and then came back to beat Oregon, 7-6, on a sprint-off error.

> Brandon Ross had the worst start of his UH career, failing to retire the four batters he faced while hitting the strike zone on only three of 16 pitches. But the ‘Bows were able to quell that jam behind Cade Smith, who pitched six gritty innings, striking out a career-high nine.

> In the seventh, down 5-2, the ‘Bows tied it on Alex Baeza‘s two-run double to right, then went ahead on Matt Wong‘s jet-powered triple to right center. It was Wong’s second three-bagger of the game.

> And then the ninth inning. Tied at 6, Adam Fogel singled to right field to open the inning. Baeza then bunted to the mound. But HUnter Breault’s throw was too high to get Fogel at second. Wong then was intentionally walked to load the bases. Tyler Best then chopped a 3-2 pitch to short. But catcher Jack Scanlon could not secure Gavin Grant‘s throw as Fogel scored the winning run.

> The ‘Bows managed to win without using Jeremy Wu-Yelland as one of their five pitchers. Wu-Yelland will be available on Sunday. Tai Atkins, who overcame a cold suffered during last week’s road trip, starts on Sunday.

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It’s the third game of this four-game set between the Rainbow Warriors, who won the first two, and Oregon.

Brandon Ross, a junior lefty, gets the start for the ‘Bows.

The ‘Bows might be a little light on left-handed pitchers tonight. Tai Atkins is set to start for the ‘Bows tomorrow. UH also would prefer to give Jeremy Wu-Yelland another day of rest.