The Pearl City Chargers beat the visiting Campbell Sabers 4-0 yesterday, behind a one-hit performance by Chargers starting pitcher Kahana Neal. The Chargers who are ranked #1 in statewide polls improve to a perfect 9-0 in the OIA Red West Division.
It was a highly anticipated match up between the two teams especially on the mound. The Sabers threw their ace, Kale Ka'alekahi against the Chargers. "We figured Campbell was going to be competitive. That was there ace pitcher today. It was a good game," said Chargers head coach, Gary Nakamoto.
Kahana Neal was masterful from the mound. In 6th inning he wasf four outs away from a no-hitter until the Saber's, Cole Nagamine drove a pitch into right field. "Kahana threw a good game. He threw a one-hitter. He had a no-hitter going into that last inning when they got the hit. He did a good job," said coach Nakamoto.
"I feel blessed, I thank the Lord for everything. All the pitches felt good. The defense backed me up, they got the hits. That's it, perfect," said Chargers winning pitcher Kahana Neal on his performance.
Wednesday's match-up was the first of two games that the teams wilI play this week. The second game is scheduled for Saturday, 7:00pm at Hans L ' Orange field in Waipahu."We're going to throw Chace Numata on Saturday and see what happens," said coach Nakamoto.
Missing from Wednesday's line-up against Campbell was starting center fielder, Jordan Oshiro. "Jordan got hurt yesterday at practice. It's a big loss for us in center field," said Nakamoto.
_1_0.JPG)
Chargers starting pitcher Kahana Neal, on his way to a one-hitter and a 4-0 victory or the Campbell Sabers on Wednesday. Photo By: Barry Villamil / [email protected]
The Chargers got solid hitting performances from Austin Bali 2 for 2, double, 2 RBI's; Royce Murai 2 for 3, 2 RBI's; Jonathan Kealoha 2 for 4, double. The Chargers had 8 hits for the ball game against Saber pitching.
_2_0.JPG)
Chevas Numata sliding in safely at home on Austin Bali's two-run double in the bottom of the first inning. Photo By: Barry Villamil / [email protected]
_0.JPG)
Jonathan Kealoha went 2 for 4 with a double in the win against Campbell. Photo By: Barry Villamil / [email protected]
_0.JPG)
Austin Bali stroking a double in a 2 for 2, 2 RBI performance at the plate against the Sabers. Photo By: Barry Villamil / [email protected]
_0.JPG)
Pearl City's, Reid Ramos sliding in at home safely in the bottom of the 6th inning off of Royce Murai's RBI single. Photo By: Barry Villamil / [email protected]
Campbell (6-3) 000 000 0 – 0 1 2
Pearl City (9-0) 200 101 x – 4 8 0
Kala Ka'alekahi, Kaeo Kapana (6) and Po'o Ka'alekahi; Kahana Neal and Isaac Shim. WP – Neal L- Ka'alekahi
Leading hitters: Campbell: Cole Nagamine 1-2. Pearl City: Austin Bali 2-2, double, 2 RBI's; Royce Murai 2-3,
2 RBI's; Jonathan Kealoha 2-4, double.