Seariders blank Kapa’a

HONOLULU – By Manny Henriques – Starting hurler Dane Awana and reliever Chad Rodrigues combined on a three hit, five-inning shutout as the Waianae Seariders defeated the KIF champ Kapa’a Warriors 10-0 in the opening contest of the 2002 Wally Yonamine Foundation State Baseball Tournament Wednesday morning at Les Murakami Stadium.

As the Warrior defense battled the effects of their early morning flight and the lightning-quick Les Murakami turf surface, Waianae reached Warrior ace Kyle Neuberger for 4 first inning runs on four Warrior defensive errors, a walk and a single.

Kapa’a got initial hitters aboard in every inning but were ultimately unable to capitalize on numerous scoring opportunities as Awana, who sported a mid-80 mph rising fast ball in his brief stint, struck out 6 in only three innings of work.

Steadfast Warrior leadoff Tyler Wakuta answered the initial Searider onslaught with a ringing double over the third base bag but was unable to advance as Awana proceeded to strike out the side and end the threat.

First baseman Dustin Mundon lined a double down the left field line to open the second but two additional Awana “K”s and a ground out prematurely closed the frame.

Waianae, the OIA Western Division co-champion, roughed up Neuberger for four more runs in the third inning as they utilized a hit batter and five base hits to full advantage.

Wai’anae catcher Michael Ferreira (2 RBIs) was the only batter to pair hits; teammate Travis Rodrigues also drove in a 2 runs.

Searider ace Dane Awana picked up the win and (as importantly) will be available, if needed, against the tournaments #1 seeded Kamehameha Warriors in Thursday quarterfinal action.

The Warriors, who’ve battled back from adversity all season long, dropped to 8-7 overall and will take on the Maui Sabers (who fell to Roosevelt yesterday by a score of 7-4) in tomorrows 9 a.m. consolation opener.