"We were able to win the game with pitching, defense and execution," UH coach Mike Trapasso said. "That's, for the most part, what we have to do, particularly if we're playing at home."

Alexander said his fastball and slider were effective. He then added a cutter later in the game, when he struck out three of the last four batters he faced. He had nine ground-ball outs, one under his season average. The only run he allowed was third-inning, two-out home run by Joseph Scaperotta, NMSU's homer leader with 12.

"It wasn't that bad of a pitch," Alexander said of the changeup he threw. "He just put a good swing on it."

Alexander's effort is what the Rainbows need in every WAC series opener to preserve the bullpen, especially with a doubleheader tomorrow.

"It's what we need," Alexander said. "Set the table and go after it."

Right-hander Tyler Sturdevant was a late scratch for the Aggies. Oliver Webster, who entered with a 11.47 earned run average, started in Sturdevant's place and kept the Aggies in the game, lasting 7 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned), seven hits and three walks with one strikeout.

"We looked at the numbers and we saw an 11 ERA," Trapasso said. "This is going to be interesting and he does nothing but throw strikes and mix pitches and keep them in the game. He did a nice job."

The Rainbows got to Webster in the second inning with an RBI single by Vinnie Catricala, only to see the Aggies tie it on Scaperotta's homer in the third.

Hawai'i regained the lead in the fourth on Garcia's single up the middle to shortstop with runners at the corners and two outs.

"I'm seeing the ball well now," Garcia said. "I've been working in the (batting) cage, just trying to simplify my swing. I'm just trying to see it and hit."

The Aggies nearly tied it in the sixth with Tyler Hardt at first and two outs. Marcus Quade, who finished 3 for 4, drilled a single to deep center. Center fielder Brandon Haislet hit shortstop Jon Hee, who fired to catcher Landon Hernandez. Hernandez applied the tag on Hardt to deny the Aggies.

The 'Bows added an insurance run in the seventh because of perfect execution. Garcia led off with a single, took second on Hernandez's sacrifice and scored on pinch hitter Alex Myers' line single to right to make it 3-1.

Hawai'i increased its lead to 4-1 in the ninth. Haislet reached safely on a two-base throwing error by third baseman Quade and took third when Jeff Van Doornum went the opposite way and grounded out to first. Kevin Macdonald was intentionally walked and Webster was pulled for Frankie Duran. Catricala's sacrifice fly to center scored Haislet.

The last two runs were crucial because the Aggies, who entered the game with a .306 batting average, scored a run in the ninth against Kramer.