When Konawaena’s Kolu Alani called it a day, Hilo made a call to action.
The Vikings struck for 12 runs in the fourth inning Saturday, beating Konawaena 15-5 in a BIIF baseball game in Kealakekua.
Hilo (8-1) fell into a 4-0 hole in the top of the second inning and trailed by two heading into the fourth as Alani, the Wildcats’ ace, kept the Viks in check. However, Alani exited after three innings, and the Vikings took advantage, putting a 12-spot off pitchers Boaz Ayers and AJ Allred.
Hilo managed seven hits in the frame, while also taking advantage of five walks.
The big hit came off the bat of leadoff hitter Micah Bellow, who doubled to center to put his team up 10-4.
Bello finished the day with two hits, two runs and two RBIs. His double was the only Vikings extra-base hit of the game. Puukani De Sa led Hilo with three hits, all singles. He knocked in three and scored twice.
Konawaena (5-3) managed only two hits, both coming off the bat of Alani, who had a triple and a single. He also walked, scored once and picked up an RBI.
Ocean Gabonia struggled with his control in a start for the Vikings. He allowed four runs thanks to five walks before getting pulled after 1 1/3 innings. Nainoa Kane-Yates was dominant in the relief appearance, allowing only one hit and one unearned run over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two to pick up the victory.
Kamehameha 16, Hawaii Prep 2: The Warriors beat HPA in a five-inning combined no-hitter for the second time this season, taking advantage of eight walks and five errors in Waimea.
Kalani Marquez pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing two unearned runs with two walks and two strikeouts, and Rydge Ishii went 1 1/3 spotless innings with a strikeout.
Kamehameha (10-0) needed just nine hits, including RBI doubles from Dustin Asuncion, who drove in three runs, and Justyce Ishii. Kekona Naipo-Arsiga was 2 for 3 with two runs scored and an RBI and Kyran Kai scored three times.
The first of five pitchers, Michael Hughes went an inning for Ka Makani (5-5), allowing two unearned runs with two walks and two strikeouts.
Kamehameha has held four opponents hitless this season.
Keaau 10, Kohala 3: Ricky Rapoza pitched five quality inning and the host Cougars broke through for six runs in the first en route to their first victory.
Delvin Ongais-Kilaulani started the rally off with a double, and Noah Armstrong-Smith had a two-run single. Edward Oguma finished with two of Keaau’s five hits.
Tehvyn Isabel collected two hits, including an RBI single, and Ryan Kealoha (double) and Jefferey Francisco also finished with two hits apiece for the Cowboys (0-10).
Rapoza yielded just an unearned run, scattering seven hits with five strikeouts and a walk. Oguma pitched a scoreless seventh for the Cougars (1-8).
Francisco went two-thirds of an inning in defeat.