HANAPEPE – A two-out fielding error in the bottom of the ninth inning opened the door for three consecutive singles, punctuated by run-scoring base hits by Troy Kaneshiro and Dave Bukoski, to rally Kalaheo to a wild 13-12 decision over
HANAPEPE – A two-out fielding error in the bottom of the ninth inning opened the door for three consecutive singles, punctuated by run-scoring base hits by Troy Kaneshiro and Dave Bukoski, to rally Kalaheo to a wild 13-12 decision over the Lihu’e Builders in AJA baseball action Sunday afternoon at the Hanapepe Ball Park.
Inclement weather in Lihu’e had forced the late relocation of play to the west-side diamond.
The Kaneshiro Farms ball club rallied back from a 7-1 second inning deficit to pick up their fourth win of the season.
Kaina McCallum picked up the win with three strikeouts in his two-inning scoreless relief stint. Palani Bukoski, Brandon Ishibashi, and Kainoa Santos also saw mound duty for Kalaheo.
Hard-luck hurler Barry Kawamura went the distance for the Builders in a losing effort.
Kalaheo banged out 25 base hits in the contest and were led by Dave Bukoski (5-6, double, game-winning hit, stolen base, 3 runs, 2 RBIs), and Kainoa Santos (3-5, double, walk, 2 runs). Liko Perreira, Duane Miyasato, Brandon Ishibashi, Shannon Oketani, and Gerrin Itamura also paired hits for the victors.
Lihu’e was led offensively by the big bats of Dan Tanimoto (4-5, 2 doubles, stolen base, 4 RBIs, run), Dean Ichimasa (2-3, HBP, stolen base, 2 runs), and Darryl Matsumura (3 RBIs).
Makaweli 18 Kapa’a 6
The Indians stormed back from an early 3-1 disadvantage with five runs in the second and fourth stanzas and put the game away with a seven-run fifth inning to end the nightcap after 6-1/2 frames.
Makaweli rapped out 11 hits and took full measure of 7 errors and 11 walks issued by six Kapa’a pitchers.
Sean Jardin started the contest on the hill for the Indians while Jason Nakata entered in relief in the second inning and pitched effectively for the remainder of the contest.
Nakata limited Kapa’a to three runs on 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 10 batters.
Leading hitters for Makaweli were Davyn Nakata (2-4, walk, 2 RBIs, 3 runs), Sean Jardin (2-4, sac fly, 2 RBIs, run), Mike Shimatsu (2-4, walk, 2 RBIs, run), Jason Nakata (2-3, HBP, sac bunt, RBI, run). Kyle Nakagawa (3 walks, sac fly, 2 RBIs, 2 runs) doubled in his only official at-bat and teammate Reid Tanita also doubled in a run and scored twice. Leighton Otoman and Brad Chiba each scored three runs for the Indians.
Ikaika Pezario paired hits, scored twice, walked and stole a base while Aaron Furugen singled, walked and drove in two runs for Kapa’a.
Gary Gatiuan started and pitched effectively in his one-inning stint for the east-side squad with three strikeouts. Gordon Muramaru, Kainoa Pezario, Robin Lore, Owen Koishigawa, and Sean Hiranaka also saw action on the hill in a losing effort.
Kapa’a ended play with a 4 win, 4 loss record.
The final weekend of AJA regular season play concludes Sunday at Hanapepe Ball Park as Makaweli (3-4) battles Lihu’e (1-6) in the 10 a.m. opener and 2002 titlist Kalaheo (4-3) takes on 2003 league champion Hanapepe (6-1) at 1 p.m.
