KEKAHA — The Ruff Ryderz Baseball group, including its 15 and under team that recently won the Fourth of July Classic in California, will be presenting its Fourth Annual Baseball in Paradise tournament from July 24 through 27 at Waimea Athletic Field.
“This year, we have 14 teams participating in the tournament that starts play from 9 a.m., July 24,” said Jen Pimsaguan, a Ruff Ryderz team parent.
“In the 11-12 under division, there are eight teams — three traveling from the mainland, three coming in from Oahu, and two from Kauai.
“The 13-14 and under division will have six teams playing — two from the mainland, one from Oahu, and Kauai fielding three teams.”
A full tournament schedule is found at https://admin.tourneymachine.com/R48964.
More recently, the Ruff Ryderz Baseball 15 and under team captured the Fourth of July Classic showcase in LaVerne, California, at the tournament that wrapped up July 2 and was presented by Under Armour.
“Not only did we bring home the championship, we did it in dominating fashion,” Pimsaguan said.
“There were two divisions playing from June 28 through July 2 — the 15 and under and the 17 and under. During the showcase, our 15U team scored the most runs — 38 — during the tournament. We also allowed just two runs, both unearned, coming through the entire tournament, and Kainalu Lazaro, catcher, was given a brand new Wilson catcher’s mitt as a tournament Most Valuable Player.”
Team member Anson Lazaro threw a no-hitter in the title game, and Chet Pimsaguan earned the only run after getting on second with a double.
Kobe Perez Aguilar sacrifice bunted Pimsaguan to third, and Caisen Medina whacked an RBI single to score Pimsaguan for the 1-0 victory.
The team was led by coach Michael Sialana, a Kekaha boy who currently lives in California.
“The boys played almost flawless baseball,” Sialana said. “They gave up two runs over five games, both unearned. Kaison Matsushima of Kapaa, Anson Lazaro of Kekaha, and Jules Alanis of California all threw no-hitters in the tournament.
“Kainalu Lazaro of Waimea was solid behind and at the plate, hitting the ball to all parts of the field. These boys from Kauai came together with players from California and played like they’ve been playing together all their lives.”
Following the Baseball in Paradise tournament, the Ruff Ryderz will be holding tryouts for the team’s 2019-2020 season.
“We are fielding teams from 9 and under through 16 and under,” Pimsaguan said. “Your baseball age is the age you are as of May 1.”
Tryouts will take place at the H.P. Faye Park in Kekaha Aug. 10 and 11 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Another round of tryouts will take place on Aug. 17 and 18 from 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Info: ruffryderzbaseballkauai@gmail.com
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
