With solid pitching and aggressive bats, Kaua’i High School may have the team to watch this year in Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation baseball action. The first chance for island residents to do so is Thursday, when the Red Raiders take the
With solid pitching and aggressive bats, Kaua’i High School may have the team to watch this year in Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation baseball action.
The first chance for island residents to do so is Thursday, when the Red Raiders take the field at 10 a.m., against Kaimuki, in the first game of the 19th Annual Ron Martin Baseball Tournament at Kapa’a.
The Red Raiders won the tourney last year.
“We’re still looking at our team and seeing which people will fit in best,” Kaua’i head coach Kenneth Mizuo said. “Our hitting is pretty good right now, but a little erratic. Hopefully, though, our pitching will carry us through.”
Look for Mark Rodrigues to do his part. The Red Raiders senior is arguably the top hurler on the island.
“I think he’ll do good,” Mizuo said. “Plus, he’s pretty darn good with the bat, too. He hit in the .550’s last year.”
Rodrigues picked up a victory at the Hilo Baseball Tournament last week, winning a 6-1 decision over Castle. The Red Raiders fell to Maui in their first game and squeaked by Maryknoll, 5-4, in their finale.
With a current tenure of five years at Kaua’i, Mizuo understands the importance of preseason play for product assessment.
“Right now we’ve got six or seven pitchers we’re looking at now,” the coach said. “But we’re going to want to get that down to four or maybe three.
“Plus, we’ve got questions at other positions on the field.”
Helping to provide the answers will be a host of schools that, collectively, should make for good competition. Besides host Kapa’a, last year’s KIF champion, Roosevelt and Kaimuki will travel from Oahu, while St. Joseph will come from the Big Island.
“It’s hard to know what to expect out of the Ron Martin,” Mizuo said. “You know there could be some talent, but you’re not quite sure of the level. That’s why you just go out and play.”
The Skinny
– What: 19th Annual Ron Martin Baseball Tournament
– When: March 1-3
– Where: Kapa’a High School
– Schedule: Three days of action
Thursday — Kaua’i vs. Kaimuki, 10 a.m.; Kapa’a vs. Roosevelt, noon; Roosevelt vs. St. Joseph, 2 p.m.
Friday — Kaua’i vs. Roosevelt, 10 a.m.; Kaimuki vs. St. Joseph, noon; Kapa’a vs. St. Joseph, 2 p.m.
Saturday — Kapa’a vs. Kaimuki, 9 a.m.; Kaimuki vs. Roosevelt, 11 a.m.; Kaua’i vs. St. Joseph, 1 p.m.; Kapa’a vs. Kaua’i, 3 p.m.
Sports editor Jason Gallic at 245-3681 or mailto:kauaisports@pulitzer.net
