From the start it was evident that the young and talented Red Raider baseball squad was no match for the defending state champion Punahou Buff-n-Blue crew, who tormented Kaua‘i, 10-0 in quarterfinal action of the 2005 HHSAA/Wally Yonamine Foundation State
From the start it was evident that the young and talented Red Raider baseball squad was no match for the defending state champion Punahou Buff-n-Blue crew, who tormented Kaua‘i, 10-0 in quarterfinal action of the 2005 HHSAA/Wally Yonamine Foundation State Baseball Championships at Les Murakami Stadium last night. Kaua‘i pitcher Shannon Oketani gave it all he got, but he couldn’t quiet the mighty Punahou charge. Freshman David Buster came in for relief and got some great state tournament experience on the mound for Kaua‘i.
The Red Raiders move down to the consolation bracket and will play Moanalua, today at 12:30 p.m.
If Kaua‘i beats Moanalua, then they will move on to the fifth-place game on Saturday that starts at 2:30 p.m.
A loss today will eliminate the KIF champions from state tournament play.
The Red Raiders are the three-time KIF champions and are coached by Hank Ibia Jr., Reynard Ellis, John Gebauer, Lance Higashi, and Aaron Uyeda.
Two seniors graduate for Kaua‘i (Kirby Yates, Shannon Oketani) and the rest of the team are underclassmen, which include Aaron Adachi, Schyler Arakaki-Ibia, Braden Balocan, David Buster, Anthony Calves, Loren Duarte, Jonathan Gebauer, Blake Gingerich, Cody Goias, Micah Hee, Jett Jasper, Kaulana Judd, Michael Julian, Russell McCluskey, Dustin Pagador, Andrew Renaud, Landon Samiano, Kawika Sweet, Reggie Vigilia, and Stanton Yoshimori.
