KAPA‘A — Red Raider freshman Schyler Arakaki-Ibia displayed senior-like abilities in the 16-5 win in six innings, against the Warriors yesterday at the Ron Martin Field. The steady first baseman ripped an RBI triple in the first inning and roped
KAPA‘A — Red Raider freshman Schyler Arakaki-Ibia displayed senior-like abilities in the 16-5 win in six innings, against the Warriors yesterday at the Ron Martin Field.
The steady first baseman ripped an RBI triple in the first inning and roped an RBI double down the first base line in the third frame.
With the win, Kaua‘i moved itself one win away from the first round title. The Red Raiders jumped on the Warriors from the start with a 4-0 first inning lead, which forced Kapa‘a to go to its bullpen via ace Moses Punzal.
On the other mound, Kaua‘i senior Shannon Oketani pitched brilliantly mixing his pitches well and confusing Warrior batters.
The other Kaua‘i senior Kirby Yates punched an RBI single, scoring Stanton Yoshimori for the 5-0 lead in the second stanza. Kapa‘a managed to get one run back on Tyler Teves’ bunt single, which scored Punzal.
The Red Raiders tacked on six more runs with help from Arakaki-Ibia, Yates, Dustin Pagador, Reggie Vigilia, and Jonathan Gebauer.
But just when it looked as if the Warriors were on their way down, they rose to the occasion with three runs to avoid the early exit in the fifth inning.
With Pagador on the mound, Kahai Nakano and Waylan Kuphiea supplied the fire-works for the Warriors.
In the sixth, Kaua‘i continued to apply the pressure, as Aaron Adachi scored on an RBI sacrifice fly by Andrew Renaud. The Red Raiders added four more runs, thanks to Yates, Jasper, Yoshimori, and Pagador for the 16-4 lead. The Warriors added one more run, but they fell short in the end, 16-5 in the sixth inning.
KIF baseball cruises over to Vidinha Stadium on Saturday, with the Red Raiders battling the Menehune in doubleheader action. The first game will commence at 10 a.m. Waimea has to sweep Kaua‘i to remain in the hunt for the first round title.
