They’re only 11-year-olds, but considering their postseason pedigree, Shon Malani was disappointed the Hilo All-Stars didn’t show up with more of a sense of urgency to meet the grander stage. ADVERTISING They’re only 11-year-olds, but considering their postseason pedigree, Shon
They’re only 11-year-olds, but considering their postseason pedigree, Shon Malani was disappointed the Hilo All-Stars didn’t show up with more of a sense of urgency to meet the grander stage.
That they eventually showed a spark was encouraging to their coach, but it came too late Thursday to make a difference at the PONY League Bronco 11s West regional in a 9-6 loss to San Francisco in Walnut, Calif.
“I thought we’d play with more fight,” Malani said. “This group has been through a lot.”
Which means Hilo is used to playing with its backs against the wall. The All-Stars play an elimination game at 11:30 a.m. Friday against either Southern California or Washington.
This was many of the Bronco 11s third postseason tournament in California, including a stop at the World Series two years ago.
The opener got off to a rocky start against hard-throwing pitcher Max Banks, who not only threw “firm” but also took advantage of a shadow that lingered between the mound and batter’s box thanks to a late-afternoon start.
Kedren Kinzie finished with three hits, including a two-run single in the bottom of the seventh as Hilo rallied for all six of its runs.
“He was the only player that could square the ball,” Malani said. “But we had a shot.”
Hilo forced a pitching change and brought the winning run to the plate in the seventh before leaving the bases loaded.
Dylan Honda, Trenston Kepano and Dallas Kaili pitched for Hilo, which has always thrived more so on seasoning than physical prowess.
“This one is going to be tough,” Malani said. “At this age, boys are starting to become bigger and stronger.
“We’re going to have to rely more on the fundamental-side.”
Friday’s game can be watched online at http://walnutponybaseball.org/webcast.
