Ahren Kaneshiro, getting to first on an infield hit, was able to cross the plate in the seventh inning on a Barry Kawamura RBI, but the effort came too late for Lihu‘e as Kalaheo answered with three runs to close down Lihu‘e, 11-1, in seven innings in Sunday’s AJA games played at Vidinha Stadium.
The same scenario came up in the second game, as Makaweli generated two runs in the top of the ninth, but could not overtake Hanapepe as the Makaweli rally fell short, and the defending league champion Hanapepe Rivermen prevailed, 7-6.
Jake Oketani went a perfect 4-for-4 to lead the Kalaheo bats in game one, scoring once, but it was the power of Kaina McCallum who drove in three runs in his five at-bats. Troy Kaneshiro also racked up three RBI in his perfect 2-for-2 showing in the batter’s box.
Shannon Oketani followed with two RBI in his 1-for-4 showing, scoring once in the win. Garren Itamura, Keola McCallum, and DJ Higashi each finished with an RBI for Kalaheo.
Ahren Kaneshiro was the leading hitter for Lihu‘e, finishing 2-for-3 in the loss suffered by Kawamura, who gave up 15 hits, 11 earned runs while walking two and striking out two.
Kaina McCallum picked up the win for Kalaheo, allowing one run on five hits, striking out eight and walking no Lihu‘e batters.
Kevin Suga and Dean Nonaka each drove in a pair of runs as they paced the Hanapepe bats in their 7-6 win over Makaweli in game two.
Nolan Albarado, Vincent Nitta and Kelly Robinson each added an RBI in the effort that saw Robinson pick up the win on the hill, allowing five hits with three earned runs while walking one and striking out four.
Jason Nakata suffered the loss for Makaweli, allowing a dozen hits in eight innings, seven earned runs crossing the plate over that period. He struck out eight and walked just one Riverman.
Royce Ijima topped the Makaweli bats with three RBI in his 1-for-3 showing, with Michael Ishibashi, Scott Shimabukuro and Davis Oshiro each driving in one run.
Games this Sunday, Feb. 22 return to Hanapepe Stadium, with Makaweli taking on Kapa‘a in the opener at 10 a.m., and Hanapepe tangling with Kalaheo in the second game.
Sports Editor Dennis Fujimoto may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or mailto:dfujimoto@pulitzer.net.
