Their stay in San Jose wasn’t as long as the Hilo Pinto All-Stars wanted it to be, but while they were there they struck a blow for competitive balance.
Their stay in San Jose wasn’t as long as the Hilo Pinto All-Stars wanted it to be, but while they were there they struck a blow for competitive balance.
Bell Passi of Modesto, Calif., pulled away in the final inning Friday to beat Hilo 16-7 in an elimination game at the PONY West Zone player-pitch tournament.
Hilo coach Loren Tsugawa pointed out that every other game through two days was shortened by the mercy rule, save for Hilo’s two losses.
“We proved we can compete with these teams up here,” Tsugawa said. “This is probably a once-and-a-lifetime opportunity for these kids, and they made the most of it.
“The journey has been incredible for the players, coaches and families.”
The Pintos’ appearance ends the PONY season for Big Island teams, and 2018 marks the first time since 2012 that a Hilo team didn’t claim a state or regional title in an age group.
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