Kamehameha scored eight runs but they only needed one to put away Konawaena behind a stellar pitching performance from Brooke Baptiste.
Baptiste nearly threw a no-hitter against the Wildcats in mid-March. In Game 1 of a BIIF Division II semifinal series against the Wildcats on Saturday she wasn’t quite that unhittable, but still put up strong numbers in an 8-0 shutout victory.
“She pitched a great game and was hitting her spots,” Warriors head coach Akea Kiyuna said. “Some batters made good contact but the defense made the plays.”
The Kamehameha ace spread out five hits over seven innings. Baptiste struck out nine, showing excellent control with no walks.
Andi Uemura took the loss for Konawaena, suffering from three errors which allowed for five unearned runs. She also struggled with her control, walking six, to go along with seven hits and three strikeouts.
Kawehi Ili provided the offensive power early with a two-run home run in the top of the first inning for the Warriors.
“She wasn’t looking for the home run, she was just focused on her swing and saw the pitch she wanted,” Kiyuna said. “It was a really nice hit.”
Ili finished with two walks, two two runs scored and two RBIs.
No Kamehameha batter had more than one hit.
“Today was really a collective effort,” Kiyuna said. “The entire team did great things and that is all you can ask for.”
Erin Kaimuola-Bates led the Wildcat offense with three hits.
The Warriors remain perfect in league play this season with a 15-0 record and can clinch the semifinal series on Monday.
“We are focused on playing our game,” Kiyuna said. “We have to make sure we do not get caught up in previous games and scores. Every day is a new day.”
Kamehameha is looking for its eighth straight league title.
