After getting shut-out in the hitting department against Punahou, the state’s defending baseball champions, the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders managed to get on the scoreboard against the OIA’s Moanalua squad. But two runs weren’t enough, as the Menehune defeated
After getting shut-out in the hitting department against Punahou, the state’s defending baseball champions, the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders managed to get on the scoreboard against the OIA’s Moanalua squad.
But two runs weren’t enough, as the Menehune defeated the 3-time KIF champions, 8-2 yesterday at Les Murakami Stadium in the consolation bracket of the 2005 HHSAA/Wally Yonamine Foundation State Baseball Championships. The loss against Moanalua ends Kaua‘i’s run in the state tournament. The Red Raiders finished up with a 12-3 record, with their only losses coming from Waimea High School, Punahou, and Moanalua.
After leading 3-2 going into the fourth inning, Moanalua exploded for five more runs, which gave them the 8-2 win.
Leading the way for the Red Raiders at the plate were Shannon Oketani (2-4, 1 run), Kirby Yates (1-1, double, 1 run, 2 walks), Stanton Yoshimori (1-3, triple, 2 RBI’s), Braden Balocan (1-1), Aaron Aadchi (1-2, double), and Blake Gingerich (1-2).
Yoshimori picked up the loss in five innings of work. The junior was tagged for four earned runs.
Freshman Cody Goias came in for relief and pitched the rest of the way for Kaua‘i. The Red Raiders graduate two seniors, Kirby Yates and Shannon Oketani. Both have said that they will continue to play baseball at the next level.
