SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Hilo Little League’s majors division all-star team defeated Arizona’s Canyon View LL 7-4 during the first round of the LLB West Region Tournament.
The victory earned Hilo a spot in the semifinals, one step closer to the Little League World Series.
Hilo came back from a four-run deficit — plating five runs in the top fifth to take the lead, and two more in the top sixth.
Liam Villanueva singled on a grounder to center field to lead off the top fifth. Next, Keyan Wada doubled on a right-field line drive.
After a flyout, CVLL elected to intentionally walk Hilo’s top slugger, Reese Kualii. During the next at-bat, with Madden Awaya at the plate, a catcher’s error allowed Hilo to put up two runs.
Following a popout, Janson Keanu singled to bat in Kualii and Agawa.
Knoxx Knoxx Kailimai went in as a courtesy runner for Keanu. Demian Lida hit a grounder to center field, and Kailimai reached the plate from second before Lida was put out short of second.
Tadyne Agudo tripled to bat in a run in the top sixth after striking out during his previous at-bat.
Kase Ulibas recorded the best batting average of the day, going two-for-two at the plate.
James Nishimura got things started on the mound for Hilo, pitching four innings.
He surrendered two earned runs on nine hits and a walk, striking out four. Jordan Pagan pitched relief for the next two innings, walking one but allowing no hits or runs — striking out three.
Today at 11 a.m. local time, Hilo will play its semifinal game.
The tournament is double-elimination — so if Hilo loses, it will still have a shot at the championship and World Series.