HONOKAA — The Kamehameha Schools Hawaii varsity baseball team defeated Honokaa High School 4-3 in a back-and-forth struggle Monday afternoon.
In the top first, Warriors leadoff Liwai Correa walked and then promptly stole second. Two-hole Kaohu Kawelu singled, then a wild pitch allowed him to reach second as Correa scored. Dominic Christensen singled, then four-hole Dylan Hanson reached first on a fielders choice as a double play from third-baseman Heolu Bertelmann-Makanani to Kinohi Lindsey at second tagged out Kawelu and Christensen. The following batter flew out to Tallin Cazimero in the outfield, leaving Hanson on first.
The Dragons got off to an explosive start in the bottom first when leadoff Aiden Jaoquin hit a solo homer to left field — his first of three throughout the game. KSH starting pitcher Noah Palea fanned the two-hole for the first out. Issac DeRego touched first after getting hit by a pitch and reached second on a wild pitch, but was left after a flyout to second and a putout at first.
The Warriors were shut out in the top second. On the mound, Jaoquin fanned three and walked Cross Pola — who was left on third.
KSH returned the favor in the bottom frame, tagging out a runner short of second and ending with two strikeouts by Palea.
Jaoquin continued to work the strike zone, fanning three more batters in the top third and allowing a single by Kawelu.
After Palea struck out the preceding batter, Jaoquin hit his second solo homer — which Josyah Umeda followed with a single. Palea fanned the next batter, then third-baseman Braden Gomes assisted Hanson at first to end the frame.
In the top of the fourth inning, Jaoquin remained the cornerstone of Honokaa’s defense. Palea singled — then twice in a row, Jaoquin recovered grounders to throw out batters at first. Jaoquin struck out the next batter for the third out, maintianing the Dragons’ 2-1 lead.
Honokaa could not boost its lead in the bottom fourth. From shortstop, Correa recovered a groundball and threw to first to out the first batter. Palea struck out the second, Kamahao Kanekoa singled then another strikeout sent the Dragons back onto the field.
The Warriors suffered a short top fifth. the first two batters flew out to the outfield, then the third was fanned by Jaoquin.
In the bottom frame, Palea struck out the first batter, then intentionally walked Jaoquin to avoid another big hit. Umeda touched base on a fielder’s choice while Jaoquin was tagged out by Kawelu short of second, then DeRego singled. Umeda and DeRego were left on base when Palea notched his ninth strikeout.
KSH took a 3-2 lead by scoring two runs in the top sixth. Christensen and Hanson singled to get in scoring position, then a bunt by Palea sent them both home. Jaoquin fanned three in a row to prevent any further damage within the frame.
The Dragons were unable to score in the bottom second. The first batter flew out to the outfield, then Gabe Key reached first on a third-strike passed ball. Key was left on second following a putout at first and a strikeout.
The Warriors stretched their lead to 4-2 in the next frame. Correa reached first on an error after the preceding batter flew out. Jaoquin fanned the next, bur Christensen doubled to send Correa across home plate. DeRego tossed out Christensen short of third from catcher for the third out.
After Palea struck out the first batter, Jaoquin hit his final solo homer. Unfortunately for the Dragons, two more flyouts dealt them the loss.
Christensen led the Warriors at bat, going three-for-four with a run and a RBI. He also led his team in putouts with 11.
Jaoquin went three for three with his three homers to lead the Dragons in the box — also notching twelve strikeouts while on the hill, walking two and allowing seven hit.
Palea earned the win on the mound — fanning twelve, walking two and allowing six hits.
DeRego led the Dragons in the field with 10 putouts and three assists.
KSH will play at 3 p.m. today on its home field against Pahoa High School.
At 1 p.m. Saturday, Honokaa will host Waiakea High School.