KAILUA-KONA – Kamehameha defeated Kealakehe 10-0 over five innings in a game Saturday in Kailua-Kona that resembled more of a pitcher’s dual than the one-sided slugfest the final score indicates. The game was scoreless after three innings and the Warriors were up by only three heading into the fifth before blowing the game open with a seven-run inning.
KAILUA-KONA – Kamehameha defeated Kealakehe 10-0 over five innings in a game Saturday in Kailua-Kona that resembled more of a pitcher’s dual than the one-sided slugfest the final score indicates. The game was scoreless after three innings and the Warriors were up by only three heading into the fifth before blowing the game open with a seven-run inning.
Kamehameha starting pitcher Justyce Ishii allowed only two hits in the victory, throwing four innings, while striking out one and walking one.
“Justyce kept us in the game early and threw a lot of strikes,” said Kamehameha coach Andy Correa. “He had command of his curveball and fastball. I think he only walked one and limited the amount of pitches he had to throw.”
Ishii was backed by superb defense, led by shortstop Jaisten Cabatbat, who covered a lot of ground at his position, turning double plays, running in to scoop up short rollers, and moving either right or left with ease. He also showed a strong arm for the position with accurate throws to first base. A multitalented played, Cabatbat went 3-for-4 at the plate with three singles.
“We made all the routine plays and some tough plays,” Correa said. “Playing at someone else’s park is not the easiest thing to do defensively but the team made the adjustments.”
For the Waveriders, Eli Lai was nearly untouched the first time through the Warriors’ batting order, allowing only two hits through the first three innings. He finished the game allowing four runs off eight hits through four innings of work. He struck out three and walked one.
“Eli has been getting better and better all season,” said Kealakehecoach Josh Hansen. “Since he has been here, this is the best I have seen him go. He is a competitor.”
In the top of the fourth, the Warriors opened with three straight hits. The third batter, leadoff hitter Kyran Kai, doubled to right-center, knocking in the first two runs of the game. Kai then came around to score for a 3-0 lead. Kai went 2-for-4 in the game with two runs and two RBIs.
Lai was pulled in the fifth, but his replacements, three different pitchers, struggled with their control, hitting batters and walking in runs, leading to a seven-run inning and a mercy shortened game.
“The wheels kind of fell off and Kamehameha made a couple of hits when they had too,” Hansen said. “I like the way we competed, we just had that one inning.”