HANAPEPE — Brandon Ishibashi’s two-out walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the ninth frame off reliever Kelly Robinson proved to be the difference as Kalaheo pulled out a dramatic 11-10 victory over the previously unbeaten Rivermen Sunday morning at
HANAPEPE — Brandon Ishibashi’s two-out walk-off solo homer in the bottom of the ninth frame off reliever Kelly Robinson proved to be the difference as Kalaheo pulled out a dramatic 11-10 victory over the previously unbeaten Rivermen Sunday morning at the Hanapepe Ball Park.
Though limited by a coach-imposed pitch count, high schooler Jake Oketani excelled in middle relief for Kaneshiro Farms with four scoreless frames of 1-hit ball while also going 4-for-5 (two doubles) at the plate to help set the stage for a late Kalaheo rally.
Despite being touched for four runs in the top of the ninth, closer Duane Miyasato picked up the win with one lofty swing of Ishibashi’s bat.
Offensively for Hanapepe, Nolan Albarado smoked two hits in five at bats with two RBIs. Albarado’s two hits went for doubles.
Russell Ijima crushed a solo homer in the fourth inning to bring Hanapepe to within one run.
Early on, Kalaheo took the lead with four runs in the bottom of the first inning.
Hanapepe eventually took the lead with three runs in the top of the fifth inning.
However, Hanapepe’s 6-4 lead evaporated in the eighth when Kalaheo scored six runs to open a 10-6 edge.
In other action, Makaweli downed Lihu’e 13-3.
Makaweli 13, Lihu’e 3
Indian hurler Jason Nakata went the distance as Makaweli jumped out to a 7-1 advantage over the Builders in the afternoon game and cruised to a 10-run decision in seven innings for their second win of the season.
The Indians rapped out six of their 15 base hits in the bottom of the seventh to account for their final five runs and end the contest early due to the 10-run mercy rule.
Issac Castillo led the Makaweli offensive attack with four singles while centerfielder Sean Jardin drove in three runs.
For Lihu’e, Curt Vidinha drove in a run while teammate Mickey Cardinez added a hit in a four plate appearances.
The League standings at the end of the fourth week of competition are as follows:
Hanapepe 2-1, Kalaheo 2-1, Kapa’a 2-1, Makaweli 2-2, and Lihu’e 0-3.
The Rivermen host Lihu’e on Sunday at 10 a.m. in the opener at Vidinha Stadium diamond while Kalaheo and Kapa’a clash.in the 1 p.m. follow-up contest.
