KAPA’A — Don’t count them out just yet and as UCLA legendary basketball coach John Wooden said, “Never underestimate the heart of a champion.” The three-time defending KIF champion Red Raiders are hoping to ride that same wave to the
KAPA’A — Don’t count them out just yet and as UCLA legendary basketball coach John Wooden said, “Never underestimate the heart of a champion.” The three-time defending KIF champion Red Raiders are hoping to ride that same wave to the top of the standings once again.
Kaua’i utilized a strong pitching performance from freshman Trent Allianic and a timely hitting attack for the 5-3 victory yesterday over Kapa’a at the Ron Martin Athletic Field.
The win kept Kaua’i (5-1 overall, 1-0 second round) within striking distance of first round champ, Waimea, who sits at 2-0 in the second round (7-1 overall).
The two squads battle in a crucial doubleheader on Saturday at the Vidinha Stadium Ball-park, starting at 10 a.m.
The Red Raiders jumped on Kapa’a pitcher C.J. Jacinto at the start with three first inning runs, thanks to RBI’s from Aaron Soong, Jordan Leanio, and Jon Gebauer.
Andrew Renaud added an RBI single in the second inning, scoring Kalani Brackenridge for the 4-0 lead, but Kapa’a answered in its half of the second on a Jetson Wakuta RBI single, scoring Travis Shigeta.
Soong slapped another RBI, this time on a single, scoring Yoshimori, which handed the boys in red, a 5-1 advantage in the fourth.
Kapa’a tallied a run in its half of the fourth, as Nakamura crossed the plate on a fielder’s choice. The Warriors tacked on another run, with Jacinto scoring on a sacrifice fly, which made the score, 5-3.
Both teams were unable to put any more runs up on the scoreboard, with Allianic picking up the win and Jacinto suffering the loss.
Kapa’a dropped to 0-6 on the season. KIF baseball goes for two at Vidinha Stadium on Saturday, between Kaua’i and Waimea, starting at 10 a.m.
