LIHU’E – Kapa’a notched three runs in the fourth and seventh inning to stave off a late Makaweli Indians threat to lock up an 8-3 win as time ran out on the opening game of the 68th AJA (Americans of
LIHU’E – Kapa’a notched three runs in the fourth and seventh inning to stave off a late Makaweli Indians threat to lock up an 8-3 win as time ran out on the opening game of the 68th AJA (Americans of Japanese Ancestry) league played Sunday at Vidinha Stadium.
Working with Owen Koishigawa on the mound, Kapa’a kept the Indians at bay until the sixth frame when the Indians came up with three runs to draw within a pair of Kapa’a, 5-3. Koishigawa allowed just a single hit before being relieved by Kainoa Pezario, and the Indians stranded just a sole runner before exploding for 3 runs on 3 hits.
A 2-RBI double by Sean Jardin crossed Clifton Arakaki and Issac Caspillo with Royce Ijima driving Jardin home in the frame.
But, Kapa’a answered back in the seventh as Brandon Hirokane, Ryan Silva, and pinch runner N. Matsuyama crossed the plate on a sole Kapa’a hit before the game was called on time limit with Kapa’a taking the contest 8-3.
Kalaheo 12, Lihue 3
LIHU’E – The Lihu’e Builders outhit the 2002 AJA championship Kalaheo Kaneshiro Farms 8-7, but a 3-RBI homerun by Kalaheo’s Jason Koga (1-1) fueled Kalaheo to a 12-3 win over Lihu’e in the second contest of the 68th AJA (Americans of Japanese Ancestry) league opener.
Koga, spending the Winter Break home from Linfield College where he plays for their team, was joined by the 2002 MVP and hitting champ Kaina McCallum (1-2) who belted a 2-RBI homer in the win.
McCallum, going the distance for Kalaheo on the mound, was strapped with the 3 Lihu’e runs on 8 hits, but struck out 8 while allowing 4 walks.
Barry Kawamura went three innings for Lihu’e allowing no runs on two Kalaheo hits while fanning 5 batters with no walks. Mikey Cardinez took over for four innings with 6 runs coming in on 5 Kalaheo hits, but fanning 6 Kalaheo batters and allowing 4 walks. Curtis Sadamitsu finished for Lihu’e, allowing just a single Kalaheo hit.
Kawamura (2-4) helped the Lihu’e batting with 2 RBI’s on his double and single.
Dan Tanimoto (2-4) notched the final RBI for Lihu’e on his pair of hits including a triple. Cardinez (2-4) banged a triple and a single with Kevin Mercado (2-4) rounding out the Lihu’e hits.
Troy Kaneshiro (2-3), the 2002 RBI champion, followed in the hitting department for Kalaheo with an RBI on his pair of hits including a double. Liko Perreira (2-4) picked up an RBI with his pair of singles, and Kainoa Santos (1-3) also chalked up an RBI on a single.
Games coming up
Kalaheo will draw the bye on Sunday, January 12 as Kapa’a tangles with Lihu’e in the twinbill opener, and Makaweli matching up with the Hanapepe Rivermen in the afternoon game. First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m.
