The Hilo Mustang 9s were stuck in deficits all day long but just needed to reach the magical fourth inning to advance to the semifinals of the PONY West Zone in Walnut, Calif., rallying for two wins on Sunday. ADVERTISING
The Hilo Mustang 9s were stuck in deficits all day long but just needed to reach the magical fourth inning to advance to the semifinals of the PONY West Zone in Walnut, Calif., rallying for two wins on Sunday.
Hilo will get a rubber match against Southern California’s No. 2 seed Simi Valley at 1 p.m. Monday HST.
The winner advances to the championship of the PONY West Zone just 30 minutes later against No. 1 seed Emerald of Southern Cal, and the loser goes home.
Hilo coach Shon Malani’s team took care of business in mirror stat fashion, beating Ceres (Northern Cal) 8-6 and Simi Valley 7-5.
In the 8-6 win over Ceres, Hilo trailed 6-3 after three innings but led off the fourth with three straight hits, which produced five runs.
Clemson Julian pitched the first three innings, Jaziah Oili the next two, and Quinn Waiki closed out the last frame.
Julian paired hits to lead Hilo.
In the 7-5 win over Simi Valley, Hilo stranded the bases in the first two innings and fell behind 3-0, but the fourth was rally time again with a six-run explosion.
Ivor Brooks went the first two, followed by Braden Gomes and Waiki, who each fired two innings.
Brooks had two hits, the second time Hilo’s starting pitcher led the offense.
Hilo would have to pull off a double scoop of victories again for the title, but Malani’s club is in a groove.
“Our arms are all available,” he said. “We’re gaining confidence as we go. Our fans have been wonderful. We’ve got a big following, and they’ve been an awesome support system.”
Games are live on Walnut Pony Baseball Webcast and on huiaumakuasports.com, live streamed by Clemente Julian.
The winner wouldn’t have to travel for the International World Series, which will be held July 28-31 at Walnut.
