LIHU‘E — Tomorrow’s baseball stars gathered yesterday in Lihu‘e for opening round of the 2006 Lihu‘e Baseball Bash II. And the conditions were perfect for the youths, coaches, and fans from all over the state. Teams in this year’s tournament
LIHU‘E — Tomorrow’s baseball stars gathered yesterday in Lihu‘e for opening round of the 2006 Lihu‘e Baseball Bash II.
And the conditions were perfect for the youths, coaches, and fans from all over the state.
Teams in this year’s tournament include Hanapepe, Lihu‘e Rockies, Big Island, Lihu‘e Rangers, Windward, Kalawai, Kekaha and Lihu‘e Mariners.
Rangers coach Jimmy Tokioka was in his natural element out in the main diamond area, raking the dust after the completion of a game.
Tournament directors Warren Koga and Tom Vallatini were also busy running around, checking out the action at both the Lihu‘e Baseball and Isenberg fields.
Lihu‘e Rangers’ Travis Koga turned the Lihu‘e diamond into a personal homerun derby contest by slamming two shots, one over the fence and one which hit the top of the wall, in their 13-1 win over Big Island.
Koga also picked up the win on the mound for the LBL bronco division champions.
Earlier in the day, the Lihu‘e Rangers topped the Lihu‘e Rockies, 14-4, Lihu‘e Mariners edged Kalawai, 6-3 and Hanapepe trounced Big Island, 23-9.
In mustang action, the Lihu‘e Marlins ousted the Lihu‘e Nationals, 7-3, the Lihu‘e Devil Rays stopped the Lihu‘e Indians, 15-6, West Kaua‘i defeated Maui, 4-3 and Big Island cruised by Wai‘anae, 8-6.
The day’s contests were followed by a homerun derby competition, then a potluck dinner, with kids games ending the evening.
Today’s games begin at 8 a.m. at the Lihu‘e Baseball Field.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
