Nearly six weeks ago, the Bulldogs dropped in at Rainbow Stadium, and promptly swept Hawaii in three, including an 18-3 thrashing in the final game of the series.
But perhaps the turning point in the Western Athletic Conference season for Hawaii happened two nights before, in the opener.
The Rainbows staked Mark Johnson to a 4-0 lead that the ace of the staff couldn't hold. Fresno State rallied for a 7-4 win and sent a message to every other team in the WAC - the Rainbows could be had at home.
Now, Hawaii has the opportunity to return the favor in Fresno State's back yard beginning with tomorrow's 4 p.m. (HST) opener at Bulldog Stadium.
Entering the final three-game series of the regular season, Bob Bennett's boys are making a last-ditch run at the postseason parade.
The veteran Fresno State head coach has watched his Bulldogs pull to within one game of front-running Cal State-Northridge, thanks in part to a six-game winning streak.
Northridge rules the West Division with an 18-9 conference record. Fresno State is one game back at 17-10. The Bulldogs also have a fairly strong overall mark of 31-22.
Because Northridge plays the last-place Cal State-Sacramento Hornets, Fresno State can't afford to lose one game to the Rainbows, and still have a shot at finishing in a dead-heat with the Matadors.
"Even if they win all three, it might not make any difference because Northridge will probably sweep Sacramento State anyway," UH head coach Les Murakami said.
"So the pressure will be on them, not us. Even though we didn't play very well against San Luis Obispo, I look for us to do well at Fresno State."
Starting UH pitchers Johnson, Paul Ah Yat and Robby Robinson hope to make a prophet out of their head coach. All three lost their last start in a weekend sweep by the Mustangs, so they have something to prove.
"I've been told if I have a good start against Fresno State, it may help me in the major league draft," said Ah Yat, who is one of five seniors playing their last collegiate game.
"I know we were upset as a team at how we played against San Luis Obispo. This is an opportunity for the seniors to go out with a win, and for the young guys to build toward next year."
No matter what happens, the Rainbows can't escape the second tier of the West Division standings for the third consecutive season. Hawaii is in fifth place with a 12-15 league mark and overall record of 29-23.
The Rainbows have dropped four consecutive games and seven of their last 10. Unlike Fresno State and Northridge, Hawaii won't be considered for the NCAA Regionals. They haven't been since 1993.
"It's disappointing because so many guys on this team wanted it to happen," fifth-year senior Chris Garnett said. "But sometimes things don't work out the way you planned. Hopefully, we can do well at Fresno State and go out on a high note."
For that to happen, Johnson must set the tone in tomorrow's first game. He is 6-4 with an ERA of 4.09. He will face Fresno State ace Jeff Weaver, who is 10-5 with an ERA of 2.31.
Like Weaver, Ah Yat will be seeking his 11th win of the season. He is currently 10-5 with an ERA of 4.46. Scott Navarro (8-2, 5.15) will likely start the second game for Fresno State.
Robinson (4-7, 5.88) will go for Hawaii in the closer. He will probably face Kevin Fitzmaurice, who is 1-1 with an ERA of 3.62.
The Bulldogs are led by Pete Hennecke at the plate. He is batting .355 with three homers and 32 RBIs. Derek Feramisco also provides plenty of power with 12 home runs, 55 RBIs and an average of .335.
Hawaii's top hitters are Neal Honma, who is battling ankle and shoulder problems. The designated hitter is batting .359 with two homers and 23 RBIs.
Robert Medeiros also is swinging a steady bat with a .340 average. He has two homers and 44 RBIs as well.
"Obviously, we want to go out with as many wins as we can get," Murakami said. "It's also a good setting for our young guys to play on the road against a team fighting for a chance to play in the postseason."