Kamehameha’s first Big Island Interscholastic Federation championship since 2010 came in lopsided fashion, but the foundation and journey to the crowning moment was built on teamwork.
The Warriors capitalized on 10 walks to thump Konawaena 13-0 in an unexpected five-inning TKO rout for the BIIF Division II title on Saturday at Wong Stadium.
The Warriors (12-5) and Wildcats (12-2) have already clinched berths to the Division II state tournament, which will be held May 9-11 on Oahu.
“The BIIF title is an accomplishment,” Kamehameha sophomore Chad Teshima said. “I thought it was going to be a close game. There are good players on both sides.
“We prepared for this the whole season. We played 30 games (including preseason) preparing for this moment. It was all teamwork.”
Teshima ignited an eight-run, third-inning rally with a bases-loaded single. Then Keanu Dudoit-Isa walked to bring in a run off starter Jarrett Kitaoka, who greased the skids for an early exit with 55 pitches after two innings.
Chay Toson walked to continue the RBI bases-loaded, merry-go-round off reliever Royce Torres-Costa. Gideon Kalili followed with a run-scoring single and Bronson Pulgados highlighted the festivities with a three-run double.
Kitaoka, who got the loss in 2 1/3 innings, and Torres-Torioka, who pitched two innings, combined to give up 10 walks, and 10 hits, five each on both sides of the ledger. Shelton Grace got two outs and didn’t walk anyone.
The Warriors scored five runs off walks, and patience was as good a weapon as a basehit.
“We did a good job staying patient. We didn’t swing at bad pitches,” Kamehameha coach Andy Correa said. “Kona had trouble throwing strikes in the beginning and we capitalized.”
Toson went 0 for 2, but didn’t really need to swing the bat to be productive. He scored a run, walked three times, and had an RBI.
“I liked the focus we had,” Kalili said. “It’s a nice goal to fulfill winning the BIIF title. All the hard work we did through the season paid off.
“My first at-bat (strikeout) I was a little nervous. After that I calmed down, saw the ball and hit it. We’re all close to each other and we came together as a team to accomplish our goal.”
Kalili finished 2 for 3 with three RBIs, Teshima 3 for 4 with an RBI, Jordan Hirae 3 for 3 with an RBI and Pulgados was 1 for 2 with three RBIs.
That was more than enough run support for Pono Correa, who picked up the win with 3 1/3 innings, exiting early due to a stiff back. The senior right-hander yielded four hits and four walks, and struck out three.
Kupono Decker moved from shortstop to the mound and pitched 1 2/3 innings, striking out two, and paving the way for Teshima to take his spot and make a few nice plays.
“It’s my first time on the field. I was a little shaky in the beginning, but after a couple of innings, I felt good,” said Teshima, who injured his shoulder in the preseason and played three regular-season games at designated hitter.
Dominic Morris was 2 for 3 to lead the Wildcats, who threatened every inning, but lacked a timely hit, stranding eight, including the bases loaded in the third.
“We had two guys (Teshima and Hirae) who didn’t start Friday get six hits,” said Correa, about his team’s depth helping win a BIIF title. “We’ve got a lot of kids who can contribute. They’ve got good attitudes, worked hard and earned it.”
Kamehameha 028 03 — 13 11 1
Konawaena 000 00 — 0 4 1
