Tribune-Herald
Tribune-Herald
Kona Coast defeated Hamakua in Honokaa on Saturday to reach the District 3 Majors Big Island championship.
North Hawaii then eliminated Hamakua to set up today’s Little League championship game for players ages 11 and 12.
In the opener, Kona Coast beat Hamakua 15-2 in four innings, a game shortened by the tournament’s mercy rule.
Jason Alani started on the mound for Kona Coast. He and Keola Pelekane each hit a triple.
Tevin Canda homered to right, and Kaehu Kuahuia added a three-run double.
Micah Mendes started for Hamakua. Cody Kunimitsu had a hit.
In the elimination game, North Hawaii defeated Hamakua 12-10.
Hamakua rallied from down 9-4 to tie, but North Hawaii was too tough. With the score tied at 10, North Hawaii scored two runs in the top of the sixth to break the tie.
North Hawaii used many pitchers, but Ry Bleckel started.
Sheldon Aribal and Skyler Sunahara each hit a double, and Kellen Sakaitani had a hit as well.
Isaac Aguilar pitched for Hamakua.
Ezra Pira hit a triple, and Micah Mendes added a hit and made a diving catch in the second inning at center field to rob a North Hawaii batter of a hit.
Kona Coast plays North Hawaii at 10 a.m. for the championship. If North Hawaii wins, the two teams will play again at 1 p.m.
Minors
Kona Coast lost its game in the state tournament on Kauai, but no details were available at press time.