University of Hawaii head coach Les Murakami said after yesterday's practice that he needs McNally to pitch this weekend in order for him to be ready for next week's Western Athletic Conference opener at San Jose State.
"It's like me playing golf," Murakami said. "If I haven't swung the clubs in two weeks, no way will I be ready for a tournament.
"It sounds like he's going to be OK. But with this kind of injury, you never know. We need him once league play begins. We need him to start this weekend and be able to go next weekend, too."
Murakami will start Robby Robinson (1-2, 8.36 earned run average) in tonight's opener with the Vulcans. Hilo head coach Joey Estrella is expected to counter with Thomas Ford (0-2, 2.96).
If available, McNally (1-0, 5.40 ERA) will square off with Hilo's Tyler Yates (0-1, 4.57). Sunday's starter for UH also is in question.
Murakami wanted to go with Dusty Bergman, but the freshman pitcher has lost 20 pounds in the last three weeks and might not be available. If not, Jaime Aloy (1-4, 7.01) will face Hilo's Klayford Nakaahiki (1-2, 6.30).
"This is an important series for us because we need to get some wins going into WAC play," Murakami said. "You know this is going to be an emotional series for Hilo. We're going to see their best."
Unlike in past years, their best might be good enough this time around. Although Hawaii holds a commanding 74-10 advantage, the Vulcans beat the Rainbows last year in the Easter Tournament, and have won three of the last 10.
This is the first time Hawaii has scheduled a three-game series with Hilo. The Vulcans are 7-12-1 for the season and are coming off a doubleheader loss to Southern California on Monday.
Designated hitter Felipe Caoili leads Hilo in hitting with a .396 average and RBIs with 14. Keiki Mattson also is hitting well with a .296 average.
Hawaii counters with outfielder Neal Honma, who has raised his average in the past few weeks to a team-leading .324. Freshman David Perreira is right behind him with a .310 mark. He also leads the Rainbows in RBIs with 15.
"If we could ever get everybody together in one series, I'd be happy," Murakami said. "We've lost so many guys early in the season to injuries and academics.
"Now, we finally got some of those guys back. If they can get healthy and play together, I still think this team can win some games and be a force in the WAC. We've played some tough teams, but I believe that will help us in the long run."
Today: Hawaii vs. Hilo at 7:05 p.m., tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. and Sunday at 3:05 p.m.