KAUMAKANI — Offense took center stage in the Kauai Senior Softball League with runaway run-scoring in the weekend contests at the islands two smallest ballparks. Ohana set up housekeeping at the tiny confines of Eleele Stadium, and Kuku’s Aces swept the carpet at the tropical gem in Kaumakani.
The visiting teams made short work of their games at the Wally Sonoda Softball Park with each of the four games ending early with 12-run advantages after five innings. The home teams fared better in the triple-header in Eleele save the host team.
Kuku DeCosta and the Aces rolled out the welcome mat in the first game and took on the Aloha Kia Lihue A’s. The Aces matched up early and posted three runs, but the steady hitting from Lihue put some distance between the two clubs as the game got underway. The A’s ran away with an 18-3 knockout in five innings.
Da Kruzers were home team against the Rookies trying to keep their win streak alive. Alan Horikawa was focused on the Rookies keeping up in the league standings and brought the long ball. Da Kruzers had another good day at the plate, bringing in seven runs. But the Rookies hitting power and home runs proved to be too much for Da Kruzers, going down 20-7 in another five-inning contest.
The East Kauai Legends took on the Keonimana Gents. Sia Salausa drilled a lead-off home run in the top of the first inning, and the Gents never looked back. The Legends ended up getting out-gunned in the third five-inning game of the day. The Gents kept up their winning ways with a 19-3 rout.
The fourth and final game at the Wally Sonoda park found another visiting team ending the game early. The Hanamaulu Hillsiders got caught by a long ball barrage by the Ohana Motors Rebels. The Hillsiders banged out a dozen hits but stranded eight runners. Hanamaulu scored six runs while the Rebels launched six home runs in five innings to take command with a 19-6 victory.
The Plumeria-surrounded ballpark in Eleele had the tents up early to accommodate the capacity crowd on hand for three good matchups. Host-team Ohana opened up the triple-header against Barteks. Hitters on both sides were eyeing the short outfield fences and narrow-hitting allies. Barteks cashed in on great hitting and base running to get a lead and held off Ohana, 17-7 for their fourth win in a row.
Solid Steel brought the lumber to take on Kawaihau in the mid morning match. Norman Holt could not get enough offense, coming up with four Kawaihau runs. Tom Christy has the Steel peppering the ball around the field and made the most of their offense, pounding out 16 runs for a 12-run advantage and a 16-4 triumph.
Hana Hou went up against West Kauai in the morning finale. Neil Zaslow now has Hana Hou smoothly working their way through the league. Hana Hou was able to get on the scoreboard with impressive hitting and ran the score to an 11-run difference. The 12th run was allusive for the home team and they could not close the door. Al Magno and West Kauai got a victory of sorts, forcing a seven-inning game avoiding the knockout. After seven innings were played, Hana Hou was able to shutout West Kauai, 11-0.
The Keonimana Gents continue to dominate the league, posting a 15-1 record for first place. The Ohana Motors Rebels remain right behind at 14-2 for second place. The Aloha Kia Lihue A’s, Hana Hou and the Rookies are knotted in third with 12-4 records. Ohana is a half game up on Solid Steel with an 11-5 record and Solid Steel at 10-5. Barteks is another half game back at 10-6. The East Kauai Legends, Kawaihau and Islanders are locked in 9th with five wins. Da Kruzers need one win to join the three followed by the Hanamaulu Hillsiders, Kuku’s Aces and West Kauai.
The Senior Softball League will come to the outskirts of Lihue with three games at the Peter Rayno Softball Park in Hanamaulu and a set of four games at the Rebel Field in Puhi Park.
The Ohana Motors Rebels will welcome four games to their home field at Puhi Neighborhood Park, opening up against Kuku’s Aces. The East Kauai Legends will be battling with the Islanders in the second contest. There will be fireworks when Hana Hou takes on the Rookies in the late morning match. Look for the action in the finale when Ohana and the Aloha Kia Lihue A’s meet at home plate.
In Hanamaulu, the Hillsiders will set the stage for a triple-header of senior action at the Peter Rayno Softball diamond. The Hillsiders have Solid Steel on tap in the opening game. Da Kruzers will have their hands full going up against the Keonimana Gents in the middle contest. The triple-header wraps up with Barteks facing West Kauai.
Did Uncle Norman go manage a different team?? Sort of a typo. Norman manages the East Kauai Legends, not Kawaihau. Unless I was not told about it or he jumped ship.