The differences between Aiea and Hilo were apparent in the second inning. ADVERTISING The differences between Aiea and Hilo were apparent in the second inning. Aiea fought, scratched and clawed to manufacture a run for an early lead. A mere
The differences between Aiea and Hilo were apparent in the second inning.
Aiea fought, scratched and clawed to manufacture a run for an early lead. A mere three mighty Hilo swings later, it was long forgotten.
“It kind of brings the other team down,” Kobe Kagimoto said of the power display.
It’s three down and one to go for a Bronco All-Stars’ state PONY League threepeat.
Nainoa Kane-Yates, Hanalei Warren and Kagimoto hit back-to-back-to-back home runs Monday as Hilo powered into the final with a 9-1 victory at Walter Victor Stadium.
“I told them good teams have resiliency and answer,” coach Chris Honda said. “I was proud of the them for that.”
Hilo, winners of 11 consecutive at states, would have to lose twice Tuesday, starting at 9 a.m., against Windward to be denied the title. Windward later held off Aiea 11-10 in an elimination game in the second contest between the two decided by one run.
Only Hilo has been immune to playing close games, holding a 36-13 edge over its opponents.
What’s it going to take to beat the All-Stars twice?
“A lot of fight,” Kagimoto said.
Not too mention a lot of pitching.
Hilo has nine home runs – Warren has three – from six different players at the tournament, and hasn’t allowed one yet.
Making his second start, left-hander Safea Mauai struck out three in 3 1/3 innings before being pulled after a brief rain delay. Warren got five outs and Braxton Cagampang was impressive as he struck out the side in the sixth and fanned four over the final two innings.
Hilo batted around in the second and the fifth, and every starter in a lineup that doesn’t provide any breaks had a hit.
Cagampang collected three from the No. 8 spot, including an RBI double in the fifth, and No. 9 hitter Kalia Agustin doubled home Cagampang in the fifth after singling in a run in the third.
“It’s a collaborative effort,” coach Chris Honda said. “Everybody does their job.”
Including Kagimoto, who has come a long way since Honda started coaching him when he was 4.
“He’s kind of quiet leader for us, but he’s a big presence in our lineup,” Honda said.
On a team full of sluggers, Kagimoto said he feels no pressure to hit a home runs, crediting his time with hitting guru Kaha Wong, who tutors many of the All-Stars.
For Kagimoto and his teammates, it’s their turn at-bat for a dynasty in the making, and there is little mystery of how they make it look so easy.
“Practice, practice,” Kagimoto said. “We’re resilient.”
