The starters for the Hilo Pony 13s played so well, they didn’t have to finish – and that gave everyone rooting for Hilo a reason to smile in Whittier, Calif. ADVERTISING The starters for the Hilo Pony 13s played so
The starters for the Hilo Pony 13s played so well, they didn’t have to finish – and that gave everyone rooting for Hilo a reason to smile in Whittier, Calif.
Hilo scored eight runs in the first inning Saturday and dominated Scottsdale, Ariz., 13-4 to remain unbeaten at the PONY League West regional.
“The best thing about this game was that everyone got to play,” coach Bully Ahuna said. “All the parents were happy.”
Stone Miyao hit two three-run doubles as each starter in Hilo’s lineup had at least one hit.
Reserves Khaden Victorino, Friday’s winning pitcher against Riverside, Calif., and Kaizen Kapuni-Lankford each finished with two hits.
Starter Tai Atkins was overpowering in striking out six in two innings, Devin Midel worked two innings and Maui Ahuna went the final three.
Scottsdale will play Riverside on Sunday morning, with the winner advancing to face Hilo at 11 a.m. Sunday. With a win, it would reach Monday’s championship game.
“We are in a good spot,” Bully Ahuna. “I’ve still got two of my best pitchers, Bula Ahuna and Dayson Moses, who I haven’t used yet.”
Bronco 11s
Los Angeles beat Hilo 12-5, eliminating the All-Stars from the West Regional in Walnut, Calif.
“It’s been a wonderful ride,” said coach Shon Malani, who took two PONY teams to regionals. “We had no expectations for the team this year.”
“Los Angeles was a class act. I wouldn’t be surprises if they won the World Series.”
Keamalu Baclig, Dylan Honda and Tobey Jackson each collected two hits for Hilo, and Honda started and took the loss.
Earlier in the day, Hilo avenged an earlier loss by beating San Francisco 4-2.
“That’s the one we wanted,” Malani said. “Los Angeles was really strong and a class act. I wouldn’t be surprises if they won the World Series.”
Brock Malani finished with three hits and two doubles and earned the save against San Francisco. Baclig pitched three scoreless innings, and Kawaguchi worked three, adding two hits at the plate.
Little League
Kaneohe, Oahu, and Jason Cruz continued to roll at the state tournament for ages 11-12 in Waimea, beating Hilo 14-4.
Cruz homered twice, giving him four in two days, and Tiger Yonamine also went deep for Kaneohe. Each finished with three hits.
Lawa Ah-Yat doubled twice and Jake Tokujo picked up the win.
Kaneohe plays Waipio, Oahu, at noon Sunday to try and advance to Tuesday title game.
Hilo will face Maui in a 3 p.m. elimination game Sunday.
Bryant Mercado-Respicio finished with two hits and a double and took the loss for Hilo.
Maui stayed alive Saturday with a 10-0 win against Honolulu.
Dylan Mahuna earned the win and finished with two hits, and Jarrett Harper drove in two runs.
Zarik Kon was the losing pitcher for Honolulu. The defending champion failed to score a run in two games.
“Baseball is a funny game,”Maui coach Craig Okita said. “My friend on Oahu thought Honolulu was the strongest team coming.”
