Jordan Kurokawa is not only Kallen Miyataki’s ace, but the senior right-hander has become a prime example of the jewels that can be cut and polished within UH-Hilo baseball.
Jordan Kurokawa is not only Kallen Miyataki’s ace, but the senior right-hander has become a prime example of the jewels that can be cut and polished within UH-Hilo baseball.
Miyataki will hand the a ball to Kurokawa on Tuesday, and then he can, in effect, tell recruits: watch this.
“This is a program of opportunity for people who come here,” Miyataki said. “Most everybody, they get to buy talent.
“In Hilo, we have to develop talent. We have the resources, not only on campus, but in Hilo. Kids can come here and get a chance to play at the next level.”
Kurokawa may not have garnered as much college attention as he wanted coming out of high school at Maryknoll on Oahu, but major league scouts have since taken notice of his development.
There were eight in attendance Feb. 13 when Kurokawa dazzled UH-Manoa, tossing a 2-hitter with seven strikeouts. Kurokawa’s fastball never ducked below 90 mph, often reaching the mid-90s, and he further flummoxed a Division I lineup with off-speed pitches that hovered in the upper-70s.
It’s not an ideal wait, but Kurokawa gets his second start of the season on 17 days’ rest as the Vulcans (1-1) open a 16-game homestand with a 4 p.m. doubleheader Tuesday against Concordia in their Pacific West Conference opener at Wong Stadium.
“I’m sure he feels (pressure), but I think he’s up for the challenge,” Miyataki said. “He’s been working hard this past week, and we’ll see how it takes off.”
The Eagles (5-11, 1-3 PacWest) have been outscored 93-54 and enter hitting just .222 as team with a measly .278 slugging percentage, but Miyataki called their schedule to date “talented.” Concordia comes in after losing three of four at Hawaii Pacific.
Preferring to pitch at night, Kurokawa gets the ball in Game 2, and the team close the series with another 4 p.m. doubleheader Wednesday.
“If you look at the track record of his career, he’s always pitched the second game at night, so he wants to continue that,” Miyataki said. “We will honor that.”
Beyond Kurokawa, there is instability in the rotation.
Senior right-hander David Moody is looking to rebound after getting just two outs against the Rainbow Warriors in his start.
Concordia has played eight games since UH-Hilo last took the field, and coach Joe Turgeon said in a statement his team “was still trying to find our identity.”
“It should be fun because I think we are going to play the same kind of game,” Miyataki said. “Small-ball and the action game.
“It will be a matter of whoever executes.”