‘Never seen anything like that’: UH’s Magdaleno named Big West Pitcher of the Week

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii baseball’s star pitcher Isaiah Magdaleno continues to rack up big honors.

Read more Developer of Kauai condos files for bankruptcy over ‘predatory lending agreement’

He’s the first UH pitcher to toss multiple one-hit shutouts in a single season.

His most recent honor, Big West Pitcher of the Week, came after a 14-strikeout performance against Cal State Northridge.

“Just going about it like it’s the last game, more so enjoying it, kind of like playing with fun,” said Magdaleno. “I feel like that’s really been helping me, just playing with fun and just getting back to work after the next start, and not really trying to think about it too much. Just turning the page and getting back to it.”

Magdaleno’s run began May 1 with a 16-K one-hit complete-game shutout against UC Riverside.

One week later, he held UC Davis to just one run on four hits in eight innings of work.

“The last three weeks, I’ve never seen anything like that,” said head coach Rich Hill. “He’s certainly on a roll and he made a couple adjustments which really springboard him into what he’s doing, and there’s no reason why that shouldn’t continue.”

Read more Coast Guard, partners respond to oil spill at Ala Wai Harbor

Magdaleno performs best under pressure.

He’s scheduled to start Wednesday as UH enters the Big West Tournament with a must-win, single-elimination game.

“I feel like it’s planning on the next pitch more than anything so like just being real present where I am,” said Magdaleno.

Hill added, “Last year in 2025, every game was an elimination game for us. These past three weeks, I just think that we’re built for this. We’re built for the mentality of the postseason.”

To help their postseason push, the team just welcomed back shortstop Elijah Ickes after he missed 20 games nursing a hand injury.

“He’s the best prospect on our team as far being a position player,” said Hill, “really solidify the defensive position and offensively just gives us a boost.”

Hawaii will face Cal State Fullerton in a play in game on Wednesday at 3 p.m. HT.

Read more City launches AI training pilot for Oahu businesses, nonprofits