KEALAKEKUA — A grand slam by Waiakea’s Reese Mondina blew the game open in the fourth inning against Konawaena on Thursday, and the Warriors went on to win in a rout, 11-3 in a BIIF baseball game in Kealakekua.
Waiakea (9-0) remains undefeated in the BIIF, setting up a much anticipated matchup with Kamehameha (11-0) at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Wong Stadium in Hilo.
The Wildcats took an early 3-2 lead heading into the fourth inning, but Waiakea managed to push seven runs across the plate to chase Konawaena ace Kolu Alani.
The Warriors opened the frame with a single to left by Kalai Rosario. With one out, Jacob Igawa singled to center and Devin Midel walked to load the bases. Mondina then stepped to the plate and sent a 1-1 pitch over the center field fence to put his team up 6-3.
After the slam, a pair of singles put runners in scoring position once again, allowing David Nakamura to double to center for a six run advantage. After facing two more batters, Alani was pulled from the game, allowing 12 runs — eight earned — over 3 1/3 innings.
James Kapela toed the rubber in relief, inheriting a bases loaded situation with the Wildcats down 9-3.
Kapela managed to get out of the jam when he forced Cody Konimitsu to hit into a double play.
For Waiakea, Khaden Victorino got the starting nod, but was pulled after allowing three runs in two innings. Ty Honda and Rysen Ross split the load the rest of the way. Honda walked one, but did not allow a hit in two innings of work. Ross allowed only one hit over three innings.
Mondina finished the game with two hits and five RBIs. Stone Miyao had a game high three hits to go with two runs and an RBI. Casey Yamauchi, Traden Tamiya and Igawa had two hits each for the Warriors.
The Wildcats managed only four hits in the game with Jake Basque leading the way with a double and an RBI. Kapela threw 3 2/3 innings, allowing three hits and two unearned runs. He struck out one and walked two.
Konawaena (5-5) will be back in action on Tuesday. The Wildcats will try to halt a four-game losing skid when they travel to Kohala for a 3 p.m. game.
Thursday
Kealakehe 10, Honokaa 0: Tupu Toafili hit a home run and finished with four RBIs, Kalani Piltz doubled and drove in two run and Makana Kalua’u was the winning pitcher for the Waveriders on the road.
Taj Vera Cruz took the loss for the Dragons, who finished with just two hits.
Softball
Konawaena 12, Keaau 0: Shaylann Grace struck out 12 and allowed only two hits in a five-inning complete game TKO for the visiting Wildcats.
Jayla Medeiros homered and Andi Uemura drove in three runs.