Kolten Yamaguchi recently wrapped up his college baseball career when Pepperdine fell to Cal State Fullerton on May 30 in NCAA Regional play. The 2011 Konawaena graduate had a solid four year varsity experience that was capped by two West Coast Conference tournament championships and a run into the NCAA Super Regionals his junior season.
Yamaguchi won his first conference title his junior year when the Waves defeated Loyola Marymount 4-1 to clinch a spot in the NCAA Regionals. In regional play, Pepperdine defeated Arizona State (3-2), and then swept Cal Poly (2-1, 10-5) to advance to the schools first every Super Regional where they played three tough games against TCU. They lost the first game 3-2, before tying the series with a 3-2 victory. They dropped the third game 6-5.
“Going to Super Regionals was amazing,” Yamaguchi said. “Seeing our guys fight so hard and pull out huge wins — the team really pulled together.”
Pepperdine managed to reach the Super Regionals despite not being favored to win the conference at the start of the year. In regional play, the Waves were again facing an uphill battle with Cal Poly, a team that was highly ranked in the nation.
“Despite how people doubted our team, we pulled together and knew we could advance further on,” Yamaguchi said. “Flying to TCU was amazing. Their fans were in our face and it was a packed house. We played against some amazing talent.”
Yamaguchi wrapped up his career this season with another WCC title after Pepperdine again defeated LMU in the postseason tournament. Yamaguchi played a big part in the victory, hitting a solo home run in the top of the ninth to put the Waves up 4-2.
“I was not going for a home run but at the same time I was,” Yamaguchi said. “As soon as they scored (making the game 3-2 in the eighth inning) I knew we had to get that run back. I was first up and why not go for it.”
Pepperdine went 2-2 in the regionals, but could not overcome a very good Cal State Fullerton team, dropping both games against the Titans (9-3, 10-1). Despite being the No. 4 seed, the Waves defeated Arizona State (7-4) and Clemson (10-8).
“If we were asked in the middle of the year if we would win the championship and make it to the regional tournament, everyone would have thought it would be a long shot but that we could do it,” Yamaguchi said. “We did great for the talent we had. We were a young team and they have a great few years ahead of them.”
Yamaguchi hit .241 his senior year. He started 38 of 61 games and played in 48. He had 20 RBIs and 19 runs scored. He also hit four home runs. The catcher/designed hitter struggled his junior season, hitting At 5-foot-11, 180-pounds, Yamaguchi’s best year’s at the plate came in his freshman and sophomore season. In his first season, Yamaguchi made 14 appearances and hit .310. During his sophomore year, Yamaguchi hit .309 with 18 RBIs and four home runs. He was at his best against league opponents during the regular season, hitting .323 with 10 RBIs and two home runs in 19 games. He was named to the ALL-WCC First Team.
Yamaguchi is currently finishing his degree in Sports Medicine. He is leaving the door open for further baseball pursuits.
“I am not leaving baseball out of the picture,” Yamaguchi said. “I will continue to work out, stay in shape, and see where it takes me.”
