We often hear the phrase, “that’s why they play the games.” The final Saturday of the regular season in the Kaua‘i Senior Citizen Softball Association brought truth to that adage, once again. It took six months of play for what
We often hear the phrase, “that’s why they play the games.” The final Saturday of the regular season in the Kaua‘i Senior Citizen Softball Association brought truth to that adage, once again.
It took six months of play for what was perhaps the biggest upset of the season. Kawaihau (6-16) took on the first-place East Kaua‘i squad (21-2), Saturday in each team’s regular season finale and came away with the upset win.
Trailing 8-6 in the bottom of the seventh and final inning, it was clutch hitting that ultimately scored Kawaihau the improbable outcome.
Stephen Fujii tripled in two runs to knot the game at 8-8. Then pitcher Miles Tone smacked a long single to plate the winning run for the 9-8 final.
Kawaihau was led throughout the day by Ernest Koerte, who belted a grand slam. Jack Lucas added three hits to the cause and Bill Rittmeister had two hits.
East Kaua‘i’s bats were led by Rick Ramones, who homered, as well as Gordon Doo, Frank Bukoski, Mike Curtis and Dickie Koerte, who had two hits apiece.
In other action Saturday, the Rookies topped West Kaua‘i, Kawaihau scored a forfeit win over the Ohana and the Lihu‘e A’s beat Kuku’s Aces.
East Kaua‘i, the season’s first-half winner, will take on the Lihu‘e A’s, winners of the second half, to decide who will get top seeding at the state tournament. The game is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Wailua Houselots field.
