KAPAA — Kapaa High School’s baseball team still hasn’t lost in the second round. The Warriors beat Waimea 3-2 at home on Wednesday. “First off, you got to give it up to Waimea’s pitcher (Acetyn Emayo),” said Kapaa head coach
KAPAA — Kapaa High School’s baseball team still hasn’t lost in the second round.
The Warriors beat Waimea 3-2 at home on Wednesday.
“First off, you got to give it up to Waimea’s pitcher (Acetyn Emayo),” said Kapaa head coach Bryan Aiwohi. “He handcuffed us most of the game. We struggled with his off-speed stuff.
Waimea had an early 2-0 lead, but Warriors starting pitcher Rashaan “Turtle” Kuhaulua tied the score with a 2-run double in the bottom of the third inning.
Kuhaulua then gave Kapaa the lead with an RBI single in the fifth inning. Center fielder AJ Cummings scored the run.
“Basically, our team just played with passion,” the senior pitcher said. “I know we can’t do it by ourselves, pitching-wise … our team pulls through for us.”
Kuhaulua hit a single, a double and had all three of Kapaa’s RBIs. On the mound, he pitched five innings and allowed five hits and two earned runs.
Waimea head coach Larry Ephan said errors continue to hurt his team.
“Another day, another time our Achilles heel got us,” Ephan said. “Just two-out errors. Got the runner on base. It was two outs and everything just snowballed from there. I guess it’s just the way the season’s been for us.”
Menehune first baseman Bryton Lumabao also said errors killed his team.
“We had them in the beginning, but as coach told us, ‘Errors kills.’” he said. “That’s what really killed us this year. Just the errors.”
Lumabao hit a triple and a single, and scored a run in the game.
Emayo pitched a complete game for Waimea. He allowed seven hits and three runs, one of which was unearned.
Kapaa played its final home game of the season and the school paid homage to its eight seniors.
“Not going to lie. I’m pretty bummed. I’m going to miss all of these guys,” Kuhaulua said, who has played four years for Kapaa.
Kapaa (5-5, 4-0 in second round) will play a doubleheader against Kauai at Vidinha Stadium on Saturday. The first game will start at 10 a.m.
“Kauai High is going to be ready,” Aiwohi said. “We got to try to bring our best and see what’s going to happen.”
Waimea (3-8, 0-5 in second round) will play its final home game of the season on Wednesday against Kauai. The game will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Hanapepe Stadium.
