KAPA‘A — Nick Tabura and Rashan Kuhaulua combined for 14 innings while allowing no runs as both threw complete game shutouts in a sweep of the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders Saturday at Ron Martin Field in Kapa‘a. Both games
KAPA‘A — Nick Tabura and Rashan Kuhaulua combined for 14 innings while allowing no runs as both threw complete game shutouts in a sweep of the Kaua‘i High School Red Raiders Saturday at Ron Martin Field in Kapa‘a. Both games were tight contests and equally intense as both teams got chippy with one another.
“They hit their spots,” head coach Bryan Aiwohi said. “They gave up some hits but kept their composure. The first game was kind of crazy and got Nick fired up, actually.”
Game one
Tabura gave up five hits and finished with four strike outs and two walks to lead Kapa‘a to a 1-0 win. Tabura has been fantastic throughout the season but has been especially dominant as of late. He has not allowed a run in his last 14 innings pitched and now owns a KIF best 0.49 earned run average (minimum of 15 inning pitched).
Kapa‘a’s offense didn’t light up the scoreboard, but with Tabura on the mound, it was able to manufacture a run, which was enough to get the victory.
With one out in the bottom of the third inning, A.J. Cummings was able to work a walk off of Kaua‘i pitcher Nick Vallatini. Warrior catcher Chaz Pacleb followed with a double that put runners on second and third. After an intentional walk to Keola Lutz, Kuhaulua hit a slow ground ball to the second basemen, which allowed Cummings to score.
Kapa‘a has shown the ability to manufacture runs often this season, and with dominate pitching — a run or two is all it needs.
The Warriors had other opportunities to score in the game, specifically in the fifth inning with two on and no outs. Shane Ogata in relief was brilliant and worked out of the jam while allowing no runs.
Despite the lack of offense, Kapa‘a still came away with the win behind Tabura and its defense.
Game two
Game two not only had an identical outcome, but was nearly a mirror of game one. This time, Kuhaulua was on the mound and matched Tabura’s efforts. Kuhaulua went all seven innings and struck out six and walked one in another 1-0 win for Kapa‘a.
Kuhaulua has also been dominant this season and has a 0.88 ERA.
The Warriors struck early in the first inning. Again, Cummings started it off with a walk. Pacleb then moved Cummings over with a sacrifice bunt, which was followed by a Lutz single that drove in Cummings for Kapa‘a’s only run of the game.
It is no secret that Kapa‘a’s pitching is its strength.
“We have been talking all week about how big these games were today,” Aiwohi said. “We have been working on what it was going to take to beat the Red Raiders, because they are a tough team. We had to score early — that was the goal. We knew out pitching was there, and we knew that we struggled at the plate so we had to scratch a run or two across early and thankfully we succeeded.”
With the win Kapa‘a is now 3-0 in the second half and in a prime position to win it. If the Warriors can win one of the next three games against the Waimea High School Menehune, it will take the second half and force a playoff against the Menehune for the KIF title.
Kaua‘i finished the half 3-3, but are not completely dead. If Waimea happens to sweep Kapa‘a, there will be a three-way tie for the second half.
“If Waimea happens to win out, we will have some kind of playoff,” said Kaua‘i Head Coach Ryden Domingsel. Although it is not Kaua‘i’s desired outcome, the Red Raiders showed signs of improvement over its 0-6 first half showing.
“I think the kids started to believe in what we are trying to do,” Domingsel said. “We made adjustments after that round and everyone started gelling a bit better and our intensity improved.”
