Jessica Iwata got an early birthday present Wednesday as catcher Sam Koga delivered four runs across the plate, pitcher Wailana Borrero drove three more runs and Krystal Ijima banged a 3-run homer Wednesday night. The gift to the Kaua‘i High
Jessica Iwata got an early birthday present Wednesday as catcher Sam Koga delivered four runs across the plate, pitcher Wailana Borrero drove three more runs and Krystal Ijima banged a 3-run homer Wednesday night.
The gift to the Kaua‘i High School shortstop was a 14-3 win over Waimea in a critical showdown at the Waimea Canyon Park before a crowd that peppered the fencelines and crowded the bleachers.
With the win, Kaua‘i controls the first round at 3-1 and needs at least one win in their double-header against Kapa‘a Saturday to clinch the round. Waimea drops to 3-3, and their only hope for the first round is a Kapa‘a sweep Saturday.
Borrero held Waimea to just three runs on five hits, one being a 2-run homer by Shana Tafiti deep to left field in the fifth inning, in picking up the win on the mound.
Cassie Koerte suffered the loss for Waimea as Kaua‘i racked up 14 runs on 13 hits.
Kaua‘i exploded for seven runs on seven hits in the sixth inning, Ijima delivering three with her shot that cleared the centerfield fence.
“I didn’t see the hit because her grandpa was cheering so much,” Krystal’s dad said following the game. “Her grandpa doesn’t come to many games since he’s getting old, but he came tonight and she delivered.”
Waimea also brought out their big bat as shortstop Tafiti sent spectators scurrying in the left field with her deep bang that came on the heels of Moani Durant’s single in the fifth.
Earlier, Waimea had an opportunity for the lead but left the bases loaded in the third.
Iwata celebrates her 15th birthday today and Kaua‘i opens their double-header Saturday starting at 10 a.m. at Isenberg Field.
