Tribune-Herald
The Hilo Mustang 9s hit their stride Sunday with two victories to remain in contention at the PONY Baseball West regional in Walnut, Calif.
Carson Kawaguchi pitched five solid innings and Brock Malani, Keamalu Baclig and Elijah Igawa each compiled two hits as Hilo trumped Queen Creek, Ariz., 14-6.
“The kids are getting their feet under them and are starting to role now and build confidence,” Hilo coach Shon Malani said. “Every day they’re getting much more confident.”
Earlier on Sunday, Brock Malani clubbed a home run among his three hits and pitched three innings to pick up the victory in Hilo’s 7-2 win against Spokane, Wash.
Baclig followed with three innings on the mound to earn the save and Igawa added two hits at the plate.
Makakoa Auwae caught all 12 innings behind the plate.
With four teams left in the field, Hilo will have a chance to avenge its opening loss Saturday when it faces Northern California again today.