A period of eight months might not sound like much to many, but 7- and 8-year-olds may have a different perspective.
For that reason, it can be forgiven if some Hilo Pinto youngsters feel as if they’ve been preparing for this day for much of their lives.
Hilo Blue romped its way into the state coach-pitch PONY championship game Monday, mauling Maui 12-0 in Kapolei, Oahu, to set up a rematch with Mililani in Tuesday’s title game.
In its four victories at the eight-team tournament, Hilo has dominated the competition by a combined 39-1. In it’s one loss, Hilo fell to Mililani 12-9 on Saturday, and now Hilo has to beat the Central Oahu team twice to claim the crown. Mililani (3-0) can clinch the title in the first game at 9 a.m., while Hilo hopes to force a winner-take-all at 2 p.m.
“Most of the team has been playing together since October of (2017),” coach Levon Stevens said. “We’ve really been working on our defense all of that time. When our hitting isn’t so good, our defense is what keeps us in games.”
Of the 12 players on the team, nine are from Stevens’ RBI club, and Hilo Blue also includes members of the Waiakea Pirates, the Wreckers and the Giants.
Assistant coach Chase Leopoldino is often charged with pitching to his team, and Stevens said his duties shouldn’t go unnoticed. Leopoldino has six pitches to grove one for his batters, who are allowed the customary three strikes.
“It can be a lot of pressure,” Stevens said.
Hilo Blue gladly will welcome it Tuesday. Twice, in fact.