The Hilo Bronco All-Stars survived to play another day, and if all goes as planned Sunday will be another long one in Whittier, Calif.
The Hilo Bronco All-Stars survived to play another day, and if all goes as planned Sunday will be another long one in Whittier, Calif.
Hilo moved within a win of the championship game Saturday at the PONY West Zone 12U tournament courtesy of two victories, including a 6-5 triumph against Torrance, Calif., an increasingly familiar foe.
Hilo and Torrance will meet for a third time in three days Sunday morning for the right to quickly turn around and face North City (San Diego) in the winner-take-all final. North City went 3-0 on the other side of the bracket.
“North City is really tough,” Hilo coach Gregg Hirata said. “One game at time. They kids are having fun.”
In the victory against Torrance, Salvatore Martino struck out nine in his second win at the tournament and Devin Saltiban and Hekeli Robello finished up on the mound as Hilo got two hits apiece from Elijah Igawa and Mason Hirata to avenge an 8-5 loss to Torrance on Friday.
That defeat sent Hilo (3-1) into a must-win Saturday morning against Utah.
The All-Stars easily cleared that hurdle, winning 13-2 on the strength off Jarrett Tulang’s grand slam and a home run off the bat of Jacob Gomes.
Saltiban collected three hits and Kedren Kinzie added two as Kinzie and Tulang combined on a three-hitter.
At the PONY West Zone 16U tournament in San Jose, Calif., the Los Gatos Legends were aptly named, powering to a 15-0 victory against Hilo on Day 1.
Los Gatos of Northern Califiornia is a traditional Colt power, winning the World Series from 2011-14, Hilo coach Tony De Sa said.
“Awesone team,” De Sa said. “Wow. Haven’t seen a team like that in a while.”
Hilo plays the San Diego Q-Jays on Sunday to try to remain in contention.