The Kaua’i Red Raiders need a win, the Kapa’a Warriors need a good rebounder on the mound, and the Waimea Menehunes just have to sit back, revel in the glory of 13 runs, and wait to see whether an end
The Kaua’i Red Raiders need a win, the Kapa’a Warriors need a good rebounder on the mound, and the Waimea Menehunes just have to sit back, revel in the glory of 13 runs, and wait to see whether an end to the first round is somewhere in sight.
Today’s starter, maybe Kyle Newberger or Kai Lopez, is going to face a tough challenge today, when the Kapa’a Warriors host the Kaua’i Red Raiders at 1 p.m. at Ron Martin Field.
Most likely, either starter will be up against Red Raider ace Alec Reichle or Jake Oketani, two who won’t make a prolonged first round an easy Warrior feat.
If Kaua’i wins, they win the first round of the KIF regular season. If Kapa’a wins, all three teams will be tied at 3-3 and a playoff series will ensue.
The Red Raiders should want to ice the deal as soon as possible. What was a non-hitting Menehune team won three games in a row and has rekindled the good ole’ “Easton on ball” feeling. They belted 12 hits – three of them homeruns – in a flawless 13-6 drubbing of the Kapa’a Warriors on Wednesday.
If the Red Raiders think the hits will come easy today, they’d better think twice.
It’s likely Warrior coach Shannon Masada banned the Kapa’a ball player from the batting cage the past few days and had them fielding, fielding and fielding some more. The four errors, and other miscues not counted in the official scorebook, took a toll on the Warriors last Wednesday.
Their reliance on the KIF’s poor hitting has run out, and they better expect the Red Raiders will come out swingin’ like the Menehunes.
If the Red Raiders lose, each team’s record will be even and a playoff will take place April 15. Location and match-ups will be announced at a later date. If the Red Raiders win, they will take the first round and the second round will begin next week.
KIF Baseball
Standings
KIF
Team W L GB
Kaua’i 3 2 –
Waimea 3 3 .5
Kapa’a 2 3 1
April 13
Kapa’a vs. Kaua’i @ Ron Martin Baseball Field, 1 p.m.
April 15
Playoff (if needed) 2:45 p.m. location TBA
April 17
Playoff (if needed) 2:45 p.m. location TBA
April 20
Waimea vs. Kaua’i @ Hanapepe 11 a.m. (double-header)
