KEALAKEKUA — No matter the sport, a coach always seems to have one of two mentalities after each game. That is especially true in baseball.
If the team loses big, then the coach will point out the everything the team did well, focusing on that one at-bat, defensive play or pitch that could have turned a 10-run game into a one-run game. When facing a big loss, coaches like to stay as positive as they can, for themselves and for the team, using it as a teaching moment.
However, if a team wins big, coaches sometimes like to go the other way, pointing out that one pitch, defensive play or at-bat that was not executed well and could have made a difference between a big win or a loss.
With that in mind, Konawaena head coach Adam Tabieros had plenty of improvements he felt his team could make after an 11-1 victory over visiting Hawaii Preparatory Academy on Thursday.
Sure, the coach was happy to see his Wildcats win in a 6-inning TKO victory, especially after having fallen to Ka Makani 3-2 earlier in the month in walk-off fashion. However, he also wants to make sure his team stays humble, pointing out that HPA is a good team who Konawaena may have to face again come playoff time. He doesn’t want his kids to become too confident. He wants them to stay focused.
“Just because we beat them one time like this, it does not mean we have them figured out,” Tabieros said. “We did a good job hitting today against a guy who shut us down last time. We made good adjustments but HPA is never a pushover team. They are still a good squad.”
Tabieros pointed out several plays throughout the game that could have easily turned an 8-0 game into an 8-5 game early on. However, the Wildcats’ starting pitcher, Boaz Ayers, showed a knack for getting out of trouble, despite not having his best command during the afternoon game.
“I had some control issues but I was able to get myself out of some jams,” Ayers said. “I had a good changeup. I was able to throw for strikes and I found the spots when I needed too.”
There was one particular jam that stood out for Ayers in the top of the second inning. With two outs, Hawaii Prep loaded the bases on a pair of singles and a walk. However, Ayers was able to get Skyler Roque-Sunahara to pop out in foul territory, holding on to a 1-0 Konawaena lead at the time.
That inning set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Ayers exited after four innings with an 8-1 advantage. He allowed four hits and five walks, while striking out one.
The Wildcats’ offense gave Ayers plenty of breathing room early on. Konawaena jumped out to an 8-0 lead after two innings. Jake Basque had a three-run home run, and Bronson Rivera added a two-run homer in the bottom of the second frame.
Basque finished with four RBIs, adding an RBI double late in the game for his second hit.
“I just went up to the plate with the mentality of a normal at-bat,” Basque said. “It was nothing special. I stepped in looking to help the team out, put the ball in play and advance the runners.”
Konawaena’s 2-3-4 batters picked up two hits apiece, which included Basque, Ayers and Kanai Rivera. They combined for six RBIs and six runs.
“They have been pretty consistent, keeping us in a lot of games,” Tabieros said. “They are all really seeing the ball well and we have a lot of confidence in them.
“Boaz always finds a way to get on base. He can knock the leadoff hitter in and if the leadoff hitter doesn’t get on, he is really good at setting the table,” Tabieros added. “As for Jake, the ball looks like a watermelon to him right now. A lot of his hits go for extra bases.”
Roque-Sunahara took the loss for Ka Makani. He exited after 1 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs, but only one earned, off six hits and two walks. He struck out two.
Ethan Yamaguchi entered the game in relief of Ayers in the fifth inning. He threw the final two innings, allowing no hits, while walking two and striking out one.
Hawaii Prep’s offense was led by Nate Heymann, who went 2-for-3 and scored the lone run off a Roque-Sunahara grounder.
The Wildcats (7-3) have won two straight after suffering a home loss to Waiakea last week. They will host Ka’u on Saturday. Hawaii Prep (5-4) will host Keaau on Saturday.