KAILUA-KONA — Bronson Rivera played the role of hero on Tuesday for Konawaena.
Hosting Honokaa in a back-and-forth game, the Wildcats struggled on defense, particularly Rivera, who was having a rough day when his team stepped up to the plate with the game tied in the bottom of the seventh inning.
However, with two outs and two on, and facing a two-strike pitch, Rivera turned his day around with one swing of the bat, sending a shot into center to bring in the winning run in walk-off fashion. The Wildcats won 9-8 despite committing five errors in the field.
“This was a game of bend-don’t-break for us,” said Konawaena head coach Adam Tabieros. “It was ugly and awesome at the same time.”
The game looked as if it would go into extra innings after two quick outs in the bottom of the seventh. However, Tevin Canda doubled to left and Boaz Ayers walked to move a runner into scoring position. Rivera then stepped to the plate and sent a line drive to the outfield for a game winning double.
“I told Bronson before his at-bat that this is why we play baseball,” Tabieros said. “A lot of people can play the game, but this is the reason why and he came up clutch.”
The Wildcats were on the right side of a walk-off this time around. Earlier this month, facing the same situation in Waimea against Hawaii Prep, Konawaena lost a thriller 3-2.
Rivera finished the game with two hits, and Canda and Ayers did a good job of setting the table all day. Canda went 2-for-4, scoring twice. Ayers did not record a hit in two official at-bats, but did his part by walking three times.
“They are both seeing the ball really well,” Tabieros said. “When Tevin is in the leadoff spot he gives us a chance. Boaz does a really good job of getting Tevin into scoring position and that is what we want from him.”
Ayers also picked up the win on the hill, throwing 1-1/3 innings in relief of starter James Kapela. Ayers walked three and struck out one. He did not allow a run.
Kapela threw 5 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs off seven hits. He struck out three and walked one.
Kapela had a great day at the plate, going a perfect 4-for-4, which included a pair of doubles. He knocked in three and scored once.
“It is difficult to make the pitches you need to make when the defense is making mistakes behind you, but he did a good job of battling,” Tabieros said. “And I really like what he is doing at the plate right now. He really helped himself out today with some clutch hits.”
Jake Basque picked up three hits and Kanai Rivera added a pair for Konawaena.
Honokaa took advantage of the costly errors by the Wildcat defense to push eight runs across the plate on only seven hits. Zavier Ugalde was the only Dragon to record multiple hits, going 3-for-3 with three runs scored.
Justin Birch got the start for Honokaa, earning a no-decision after 3 2/3 innings. He allowed five earned runs off eight hits, striking out three and walking four.
Taj Vera Cruz threw the final three innings, earning the loss despite allowing only three earned runs off seven hits. He struck out one and walked one.