Falcons Pitching Into Close Race For OIA East Baseball Title
The need to for more runs was a prevailing theme for the Kalani baseball team coming out of preseason, given its already-proven pitching staff.
And there were no complaints two games into its OIA East slate, as the Falcons pounded out nine hits each in wins over Moanalua (3-2) and Kaimuki (12-2).
One week into the East race, Kalani was the only unbeaten team as it prepared for last weekend 's game versus Kailua.
"Our hitting is slowly coming around," said head coach Shannon Hirai, "and winning our first close game should help our confidence down the road."
That win over Moanalua, which took nine innings, also could figure big in the East race. The teams meet again March 26 at Hans L'Orange Park in Waipahu.
"I don't think there's much separation between us and Moanalua and Kailua and Kaiser, "Hirai said. "The whole (East) is pretty close."
Kalani's upward mobility on offense of late is a good sign, and Hirai had high praise for Payton Awaya and Harrison Moy.
"Payton hit the ball very well as a sophomore , and he's getting back into the hitting groove," he said, adding, "Harrison's been hitting well lately."
The pitching staff is among the more experienced in the East, led by returning starters Reece Kakugawa and Micah Kawano. It was
further bolstered by the arrival of Mid-Pacific transfer Connor Zalewski, who quickly made a huge impact.
Already committed to attend University of Hawaii next fall, he got the call on Kalani's opening day and was stellar, going seven full innings and giving up just two earned runs.
Zalewski also was on the mound against Kailua last week and is the scheduled starter for today's game (March l6) against Kaiser at Kahala Field.
Kawano picked up the win in relief in the Moanalua game, while Duke Fujii earned the win against Kaimuki.
"Our pitching has been going well, "Hirai said. "Duke really has stepped up his pitching, along with Chris Nam. We still need to cut down on our walks and, defensively, we need to get rid of the errors."
Senior catcher Bronson Matsumoto returned behind the plate last week - another boost. Sophomore Chad Kagawa had assumed the catcher position in his absence. "Chad has stepped up and done a good job for us, "Hirai noted.
Kaiser claimed both games against Kalani last season, winning 4-3 and 2-1. Hirai expects another close one this time. Kaiser was 1-0 at press time, defeating Castle. 8-6, in their East opener March 5. The Cougars were to face Roosevelt late last week.
Following today's game. Kalani has four more home games: Moanalua March 26, Kaimuki March 30. Roosevelt April 6 and Castle April 16.