The Hilo Pintos’ run at an unprecedented PONY World Series championship ended in heart-breaking fashion, but soothing relief is right around the corner.
A pair of Southern California flame-throwers combined for a 10-0 no-hitter over Hawaii’s finest on Sunday in San Jose, Calif., in the tournament for 7 and 8 year olds.
It wasn’t just the bats that weren’t working. Hilo’s defense also woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Five errors led to six unearned runs.
Logan Honikel and Zack Ireland, winners on the all-name team, each went three innings to provide the hometown fans plenty of good cheer.
Clemson Julian got saddled with a tough loss. He pitched three innings of one-hit ball. However, he departed with Hilo trailing 2-0; both runs were unearned.
Ivor Brooks relieved, and then Southern California put its seven hits to good use, and capitalized on Hilo miscues to break the game open in last two innings.
“It was a tough one. Their pitchers were tough, and everything we hit, they caught,” Hilo coach Shon Malani said. “We committed four errors over the last two innings.”
The Hilo youngsters broke down after the game, but Malani looked at the bright side of things — all the memories made from Hilo to Maui and San Jose.
“I’m proud of these kids for making it this far. They cried tears of joy in the end,” he said. “It was awesome for our kids and their families. What a ride. We’re the only team from Hawaii to make it this far.”
What’s the best way to turn a youngster’s frown into a smile?
The Hilo Pintos will hit the Santa Cruz boardwalk on Monday for a full day of fun at the carnival.
The team will leave for Hilo on Tuesday and touch down at 4:30 p.m. for a champion’s welcome.
Malani will drive down to Walnut, Calif., where his Hilo Bronco 11s will play in a West regional Thursday to Sunday.
The winner will advance to the PONY Bronco (11 year olds) World Series, scheduled for July 30 to Aug. 2 in Virginia.
Hilo Pinto team members are Clemson Julian, Ivor Brooks, Jaziah O‘ili , Tait Labra, Landyr Ishii, Braden Gomes , Jason Mandaquit Jr., Brayden Malani, Linken Batalona, Khaelan Nakapaahu, Jaiden-Lee Gabriel, Josiah Williams, coach Shon Malani and assistants Shawn Brooks and Randal Ishii.
