Waimea struck first, but Kaua‘i welcomed its 2007 baseball season by handing the Menehune its second season loss in the first inning. Jordan Buster, getting relief from Andrew Renaud in the final inning, picked up the win on the mound
Waimea struck first, but Kaua‘i welcomed its 2007 baseball season by handing the Menehune its second season loss in the first inning.
Jordan Buster, getting relief from Andrew Renaud in the final inning, picked up the win on the mound for the Raiders, allowing just two Waimea runs on three hits in Kaua‘i’s 16-2 opening day victory.
Fans lined both sides of the fencelines, and watched as Kaua‘i designated hitter Jordan Leanio and shortstop Jonathan Gebauer sparked the Raider bats in the first inning.
Kaua‘i scored a dozen runs to answer Waimea’s opening score with Leanio and Gebauer going 2-for-2 as Kaua‘i batted-around. In their hitting, both Raiders tallied 3 RBI each as Kaua‘i finished their opening frame with 12 runs on 6 hits with 4 Waimea miscues.
Waimea could only answer with another run and the contest was called on the 10-run ruling in five innings.
Reggie Vigilia, coming off a win against Kapa‘a last Saturday, suffered the loss, getting help from Christopher Kaiakapu who finished out the game.
With the win, Kaua‘i gives Waimea a 1-2 record in the season and heads to Kapa‘a (1-1) with a 1-0 record for a Saturday double-header starting at 10 a.m. at the Ron Martin field.
Anahola Jo el Pahukula will broadcast the contest live on KQNG AM570.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
