The stage never seems to get too big for Bula Ahuna, who fits in just fine on a baseball powerhouse. One day that could come in handy on another juggernaut, but first Ahuna has to get ready to go to
The stage never seems to get too big for Bula Ahuna, who fits in just fine on a baseball powerhouse. One day that could come in handy on another juggernaut, but first Ahuna has to get ready to go to California again.
Another day, another state title for Hilo — Ahuna pitched a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts, and he cracked a three-run home run as Hilo beat Maui 5-1 to win the Pony 13s title in Wailuku, Maui.
It would be hard to imagine a better week for Hilo PONY League teams, who have brought home four state titles in the last seven days.
“It’s really good that we have the numbers,” coach Bully Ahuna said. “Just a lot of kids are playing PONY, and we have a lot to choose from.”
Bula Ahuna, soon to be a freshman at Kamehameha-Hawaii, is an annual All-Star selection. He was one of the standouts of the Hilo Broncos state champion last year.
Bully Ahuna had to use just three pitchers in the best-of-three series as Hilo advanced to West regionals, which start July 24 in Whittier, Calif. From Khaden Victorino on Friday (4-2 loss) to Dayson Moses on Saturday (6-5 win) and Bula Ahuna on Sunday, each pitcher delivered.
“His fastball was good and he hit his spots,” Bully Ahuna said of his nephew. “Unfortunately, we didn’t hit as well as we thought we were going to hit.”
He looked forward to his team getting back in the hitting cage with instructor Kaha Wong.
In Game 3, Bula Ahuna’s bat sufficed. His home run was a no-doubter in the first inning after Devin Midel reached on a wild pitch after he struck out and Devon Hirata walked.
Cody Kunimitsu had the only other hit for Hilo, which didn’t commit an error.
“This team just has a lot of discipline and is willing to learn,” said Bully Ahuna, who credited middle infielders Midel and Maui Ahuna with their work with the glove.
Second baseman Maui Ahuna, the coach’s son, will be making his third consecutive trip to regionals. He and Stone Miyao were on the last two Bronco state championship teams.
Miyao missed the series in Maui to play on a Big Island team that took the under-14 title at the Firecracker Classic in Southern California, but Bully Ahuna said he would rejoin the team for regionals and play shortstop, sending Midel back to his customary spot in center field.
Also on the team are Paul Anthony, Kaizen Kapuni-Lankford, Tai Atkins, Kalani Marquez, Brycen Nakata, Ricky Rapoza and Kainalu Satkofsky. Bully Ahuna is assisted by Duke Waiki and Earl Moses Jr.
Pony 13-14: Hilo was eliminated with a 2-1 loss to Maui in which Ocean Gabonia worked seven strong innings in defeat.
It took one on the chin Saturday night in a 17-2 loss to the Oahu Canefire. Eric Cabais-Fernandez ripped an RBI triple and Gabonia had two hits. Kona lost 7-1 to Maui on Saturday and was eliminated. It lost to Mililani 6-3 on Friday.
Pinto coach-pitch: While undefeated Hilo Gold resumes play in the championship bracket Monday, three Big Island 8-year-old teams picked up in consolation play Sunday. Kona outslugged Hilo Grey 18-10, and Aiea bested Hilo Green 13-1.
