Waipio fights past Hilo in semifinals

Stephens Media

Hilo played tough, but Waipio was too strong.

The Oahu club topped the Big Islanders 11-7 in the semifinal game of the Little League Baseball state minors tournament Mondady in Waimea.

Waipio advances to today’s 1 p.m. title game against Kaneohe in the tournament for children ages 9 and 10. Kaneohe is undefeated and needs only one win to win the state crown. Waipio must try to force a second game immediately following.

Waipio took the lead for good in the bottom of the third after Hilo had fought back from a 3-0 deficit to tie the game. Waipio got an RBI hit from Cayden Okada, and Kiai Ramos drove in another run during the four-run inning.

Hilo fought back again in the fifth to trim the lead to 7-6, but Waipio put up another four spot to take command.

For Waipio, Devin Shimabukuro had two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Vincent Ogasawara had two doubles and three RBIs. Maiah Mota and Aaron Ujimori each added an RBI.

Seth Garcia pitched 4 1/3 innings to get the win. He gave up three runs on seven hits and struck out two.

For Hilo, Ocean Gabonia went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Paul Antony also went 3-for-4.

Kahiau Vincent hit a double, and Kahulialii Arraujo hit an RBI double.

Paul Antony suffered the loss. He gave up seven runs on seven hits.

Hilo 021 031 — 7 10

Waipio 304 04x — 11 14