Ka’u fielded its first Little League team in years last season. ADVERTISING Ka’u fielded its first Little League team in years last season. On Friday, Ka’u made a triumphant return to the win column with a rally at Naalehu Park
Ka’u fielded its first Little League team in years last season.
On Friday, Ka’u made a triumphant return to the win column with a rally at Naalehu Park to mark the opening of the youth baseball postseason.
Kealii Reyes-Nalu collected two hits, including one for extra bases, and Ka’u went ahead with a run in the bottom of the fifth to beat Hamakua 8-7 at a District 4 tournament for ages 9-10.
Jycetin Mukini earned the win for Ka’u, which will face Hilo in the winners bracket at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
Hilo trailed 5-1 before coming back to beat North Hawaii 8-7 in the first game.
Traeston Berdon, Halai Duldulao and Eli Higa all had extra-base hits for Hamakua, which will play North Hawaii in a elimination game at 2 p.m. Saturday. Higa was the losing pitcher.
Hilo is the defending champion, beating North Hawaii 10-0 in last year’s final. Hilo had a tougher time Friday afternoon, but it rallied behind the bat of Wailele Kane-Yates, who finished with three hits and two doubles.
Jacob Gomes earned the win on the mound, and Logan Neves was the losing pitcher.
Gunner Riley and Xaige Lancaster had extra-base hits for Hilo, while Aiden Joaquin had two hits and Quentin Hook doubled for North Hawaii.
Saturday’s Hilo-Ka’u winner advances to Monday’s championship game.
