At this rate, Shon Malani’s going to start losing his hair.
Hilo Gold was “wide-eyed” early on Thursday in San Jose, Calif., but its opener at the PONY World Series ended in wild celebration.
That’s nothing new for Malani’s teams, which have shown a flair for the dramatic with several walk-off victories this summer.
“I think I’ve aged about 15 years,” Malani said after Hilo beat Northern California 8-7 in extra innings. “This is crazy.”
Hilo, which will face San Jose under the lights at 4:30 p.m. HST Friday in the double-elimination tournament for ages 7-8, fell behind 6-0, came all the way back, then answered Northern California’s run with two of its own in the seventh.
Jaiden-Lee Gabriel, who came in as a sub in the fifth, brought in the winning run when his hard-hit grounder was misplayed.
“He hasn’t been mentioned as much as others, but he’s a key role player for us,” Malani said.
Landyr Ishii, the team’s closer, pitched well and earned the victory despite giving up a run that allowed Northern California to take the lead.
“Landyr was awesome,” Malani said.
In the bottom of the seventh, Tait Labra and Clemson Julian coaxed walks and Braden Gomes’ grounder brought in the tying run.
Hilo made the most of its four hits.
Malani said Hilo manufactured a big inning as it scored five times in the fifth. Jaziah O‘ili tied the game in the sixth with a single that scored Brayden Malani, who walked and stole second.
Shon Malani’s hope is that Hilo can bring home the championship Sunday, then he can jump in a car and drive to Southern California to meet his Bronco 11s at a West regional.
“For the kids to come back from 6-0, that says something about them,” Malani said. “But all the coaches and parents, we’re having cardiac issues.”
