Konawaena pitcher Taven Hiraishi deserved a better fate against Nanakuli at the Division II state baseball tournament on Thursday at rain-soaked Wong Stadium.
His Wildcat defense committed two errors, which led to an unearned run and a 4-3 loss to the Golden Hawks in the quarterfinals.
Hiraishi, a junior right-hander, pitched six innings, gave up four runs (one unearned) on four hits and two walks and struck out 10.
“It was a tough one for us. We pitched well but made a couple of mental mistakes that led to some runs,” Kona coach Aaron Mori said. “I’m proud of these guys for not giving up. They battled right through the whole seven. That’s all I can ask for. I tell them at practice every day, ‘Just give me 100 percent.’ They gave me 100 percent. I’m happy. I’m proud.
“Tavon threw great. He’s been throwing great us for the whole season. I’m happy we got to play. We haven’t played in a state tournament in two years. I’m happy for these boys.”
The Wildcats (4-4) rallied for two runs in the seventh against DJ Kapaku, who went the distance for the win. In seven innings, the sophomore right-hander gave up three runs on five hits and two walks and struck out nine.
In the seventh with one out, pinch hitter Keoki Alani walked, stole second and went to third on a balk. Kamaehu Makanui had an RBI single and stole second. No. 9 hitter Riki Furuto singled to right field to cut Nanakuli’s lead to 4-3.
Then Kapaku got leadoff hitter Hiraishi to hit into a fielder’s choice to close the game.
Makanui batted 2 for 3 with an RBI to lead the Wildcats, who play a consolation game at 11:30 a.m. Friday.
In the second with one out, Trez Uemoto singled, stole second and advanced to third on Makanui’s infield single. He scored on Makanui’s steal for a 1-0 lead.
The Wildcats threatened in the third with runners on second and third with one out, but Kapaku retired Charlie Kuwada and Maika Akamu on flyouts.
Hiraishi ran into trouble in the third when he beaned the No. 8 and 9 hitters. Keahi Ah Sui singled to load the bases with no out.
Kapaku hit a two-run single to center field, and the third run scored on Isaiah Enriquez’ infield single. The Golden Hawks had one runner picked off and another caught stealing to end the inning but led 3-1.
In the fifth, Golden Hawks No. 9 hitter Jordan Kay reached on an error, stole second and took third on catcher Akamu’s throwing error. He scored on a wild pitch for a 4-1 cushion.
Ah Sui reached on third baseman Kingston Lee’s throwing error, stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. But Hiraishi got two strikeouts and a flyout to end the threat.
Kamehameha 4, Waianae 1: Salvatore Martino threw five strong innings and Kaohu Kawelu hit a two-run double among his three hits as the BIIF champion Warriors advanced to the semifinals.
Martino and Jonah Reich combined to strike out 12 for top-seeded Kamehameha (8-0), which will face Damien at 7 p.m. Friday for the right to play for the championship.
More on this game, will be available at www.hawaiitribune-herald.com
Damien 8, Molokai 2: Brandon Deth batted 3 for 3 and scored two runs, and Carl Matthew Julian went 1 for 2 with two RBIs to lead the Monarchs (3-12).
Jameison Pabalan pitched four innings of two-run ball for the win. Peter Pappalardo and Francis O’Connor combined for three scoreless innings in relief.
Saven Kaahanui batted 2 for 3 to lead the Farmers (5-1).
Gavin Ainoa went the distance in the loss. He pitched seven innings and allowed eight runs on nine hits and two walks and struck out three.
Waimea 9, Waipahu 0: Kade Erdman and Anson Lazaro had three RBIs each for the Menehune (12-1), who finished with eight hits.
Lazaro pitched four scoreless innings and allowed two hits. Trenton Shigematsu threw three innings of hitless relief.
