This is not Zakaia Michaels’ first time around the block at the PONY League West Zone in Southern California, and it shows. But this time he and the Hilo Broncos are trying to make their stay in the area an
This is not Zakaia Michaels’ first time around the block at the PONY League West Zone in Southern California, and it shows. But this time he and the Hilo Broncos are trying to make their stay in the area an extended one.
Michaels sparked the All-Stars’ big fourth-inning Friday with a three-run double, and he closed out Hilo’s second consecutive comeback victory in Whittier, Calif. An 8-6 win against Scottsdale, Ariz., put Hilo back in the semifinals for the third year running.
Hilo will face Sierra Valley, Calif., at 8:30 a.m. HST Saturday for a spot in Sunday’s championship game. The loser must play an elimination game later in the day in the ages 11-12 tournament.
Hilo is the two-time runner-up at the regional, but it’s twice reached the final the hard way by losing in its first crack at the semifinals and then fighting to stave off elimination.
Michaels was a member of last year’s team.
“Zakaia is having a great tournament,” coach Chris Honda said. “He’s playing very well and with a lot of confidence.”
The coach was proud that Hilo once again maintained its plate discipline despite facing a deficit.
Nainoa Kane-Yates hit a two-run homer in the first inning, but Hilo trailed 6-3 before it scored five times in the bottom of the fourth.
“The boys showed a lot of heart and battled,” Honda said. “They are very comfortable playing from behind.
“We’ve been working the count and showing good pitch selection.”
That has a way of wearing down pitchers.
Safae Mauai and Hanalei Warren each finished with two hits and double as Hilo posted four extra-base hits. Honda said Mauai also made a bid for a home run, hitting a ball that went over the fence but was brought back by a Scottsdale outfielder.
Braxton Cagampang earned the win in relief after Mauai worked 2 1/3 innings. Michaels earned his second consecutive save, yielding one hit in two innings.
Michaels collected three hits Thursday in a 7-4 win against Long Beach.
Meanwhile, Hilo’s defense, including reserve second baseman Teagen Tamiya, held up its end of the bargain.
“He’s fearless,” Honda said of Tamiya.
The West Zone champion moves to Orange County for the World Series, which starts next Friday in Los Alamitos.
