What the Rainbows have is someone who knows a good opportunity when presented with one.

Upon graduating from high school in Caracas, Avila had to put baseball on hold for more pressing issues.

"I had a bad situation, economic-wise, so I had to jump into the streets and get to work to help my mom," Avila said.

He had been out of organized baseball for three years when friends told him U.S. junior colleges were holding tryouts.

"I went there and (Eastern Oklahoma JC) offered me a scholarship," said the 23-year-old Avila.

Last season, he batted .418 with 15 doubles, 16 home runs and 57 RBIs. He did well enough to draw attention from Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma and Oral Roberts.

But it was his stint with the Island Movers last summer that got UH's attention. Thanks to former University of San Francisco pitcher Derek Tate, Avila was put in contact with the Movers. He and Tate were summer league teammates in the Valley League in Virginia two summers ago.

"At the end of December, he told me there's a chance to play for the Movers," Avila said. "In the spring season, I got a phone call from the Movers and I agreed with them to play for the summer."

One thing the right-handed hitter picked up quickly was adjusting to hitting to the opposite field.

"You have to hit and go to right field and I think that's one of my strengths when I'm hitting," Avila said.

Two of his doubles in the Alabama series went to right-center with the third down the right-field line.

"He gives a presence at the plate, a competitiveness," UH coach Mike Trapasso said. "He's not scared going up there. He's trying to drive the ball every time. After our first series, he's been our best guy in the clutch and production. But we have to wait and see. He's also our best defensive guy at first base."

Perhaps there's a reason for Avila's fearless approach. Going to work out of high school can change a young adult's perspective.

"You know you go out you have to get your own money, learn how to live, save and do a lot of stuff," Avila said. "It makes you realize what kind of goals you need to reach in life, what you're looking for."

Like most players, Avila wants a shot at pro ball. But mostly, he wants a good life after college. He wants to obtain a degree in management information systems.

"I'm here to get a college degree," Avila said. "If the opportunity shows up (to play pro ball), I will think about it. I would like to stay in the United States (to work)."

NOTES

The Rainbows open a four-game series starting tonight against a new and improved Pacific Tigers team that went 20-34 last season. Pacific (5-2) won the River City Classic tournament hosted by Sacramento State last weekend.

"They're a totally different team from last year," Mike Trapasso said. "They cleaned house and brought in a lot of new guys and are playing very well."

Trapasso will continue to use Schafer Magana and Jonathan Hee at third. Each had two starts in last week's series. He said he would like to get Adam Roberts some time, either at DH or first base.

Hawai'i has used four primary outfielders in Matt Inouye, Greg Kish, Robbie Wilder and Jose Castaneda, "but that's not to say we won't try to get Ryan Asato involved, if we can," Trapasso said of the freshman.