The Garden Island Boyz goosed Mexico 11-0 in a semifinal matchup yesterday, earning the Kaua‘i 12-and-under all-stars a spot in the Hawai‘i World Series championship at 1:30 p.m. today on O‘ahu. The victory moved the Kaua‘i team to 7-0 and
The Garden Island Boyz goosed Mexico 11-0 in a semifinal matchup yesterday, earning the Kaua‘i 12-and-under all-stars a spot in the Hawai‘i World Series championship at 1:30 p.m. today on O‘ahu.
The victory moved the Kaua‘i team to 7-0 and gives them a couple of chances to win the title in the double elimination tournament.
“It’s unreal,” Garden Island Boyz coach Kirk Correa said in a phone interview. “It was a whole team effort. The guys came off the bench and made base hits. We gave role players some chances, too.”
Mikeo Rita earned the win with a dominating, complete game, two-hit shutout on the mound.
“It feels awesome,” Rita said. “We should do good tomorrow too.”
Dallas Correa (2-3, 3B, 2 RBI) and Kaimana Perreira-Alquiza (1-2, RBI) led Kaua‘i at the plate.
Alika Emayo, Chyson Soares, Shylen Keuma and Tylen Remata chipped in with a hit apiece.
The Garden Island Boyz are the only team in its division without a loss. The squad has allowed just four runs in seven games.
“We have a good team,” Perreira-Alquiza said. “We get along well.”
Perreira-Alquiza will man the mound for the Garden Island Boyz in today’s championship game.
“I just have to throw strikes and hope my defense backs me up,” he said. “We’re going to go out and play hard.”
Results for Southside Kaua‘i, an 18-and-under team participating in the event as well, weren’t available at press time. Southside already has one loss.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
