Once Knoxx Kailimai worked out of a first inning jam, it was clear sailing for the Hilo Mustang 9s.
All the way to the state PONY League baseball tournament championship game.
Rycen Garza homered, and Kailimai and Kainui Keopuhiwa collected three hits apiece as Hilo overwhelmed Aiea, Oahu, 16-2 in Kapolei, Oahu.
Hilo coach Justin Merritt said Kailimai loaded the bases in the first inning but allowed only run, then pitched a scoreless second.
All the while, the All-Stars’ bats went to work to improve to 2-0 in the four-team, double-elimination field.
Kendrick-Allen Stevens and Garza each connected for two hits, and Tyson Cabango-Santiago and Colton Leopoldino finished up on the mound in the four-inning TKO.
“We came to the park ready to play today, and it was a good team win and we’ll continue to do our best to represent Hilo,” Merritt said. “The support the team is receiving from back home is unbelievable, and I hope to continue to make Hilo proud.”
Hilo gets a day off and will play either Aiea or Kauai in the champsionship game Tuesday. On Friday, Hilo beat Kauai 6-5.
• The Hilo Mustangs (10-under) were eliminated Sunday with a 10-4 loss to Oahu.
Tycen Baruela and Kysen Honda each hit doubles for Hilo, and Krentyn Herolaga pitched four innings.
• The Hilo White Pintos lost their opener Sunday 11-0 to Miliani, then rebounded to beat HIBA of Oahu 13-3, and will face Maui on Monday to try and reach the semifinals in the 8-under tournament.