Neal Nakasone's game-winning single helped defending state champion Maryknoll rally from a 5-3 hole to beat Kapolei in walk-off fashion. Michael Lasquero | SL

×

05071552_Gamewinner.jpg - Michael Lasquero | SL

Purchase this image
4x5 5x7 8x10 image download

WAIPAHU — Catcher Neal Nakasone's one-out single helped lift defending state champion Maryknoll over Kapolei in walk-off fashion, 6-5 in the third quarterfinal game at Hans L'Orange Field Thursday afternoon.

The Spartans move on to face Kauai at Les Murakami Stadium Friday in the semifinal round of the Wally Yonamine Foundation/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II Baseball Championships. First pitch is slated for 10 a.m.

"I don't know what to say right now, I'm just in disbelief and ready to have a cardiac arrest right now," said Maryknoll coach Randy Yamashiro. "We're fairly young and these kids came from a long way. Now they're starting to believe. Sometimes lady luck is on your side. Hats off to Kapolei, Ekolu Young threw a helluva of a game."

Nakasone's game-winning base hit helped cap a three run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning for the Spartans.

"I tried to block out everything," Nakasone said. "There was a lot of noise and stuff, so I just had to concentrate at that last at bat. I knew that I just had to do something small and do my job." 

Kapolei led 5-3 heading into the final half inning of the contest and was primed to complete the upset after the first Maryknoll batter in the frame flied out to right field. However, starting Kapolei pitcher Ekolu Young walked three, and gave up a hit, to the next four batters to give the Spartans hope.

Kamea Wong replaced Young on the mound after Maryknoll scored on a walk with the bases loaded to make it 5-4. The change would prove costly as Wong's first pitch went wild, allowing Shane Himeda to come home safely from third for the tying run. Nakasone drove in Jarin Kobashigawa for the game-winning score a few pitches afterwards.

"We've been in situations like this before so we know what it takes to win," said Maryknoll pitcher Joshua Muneno. "I'm just so proud of them." 

Muneno gave up 10 hits, but tossed five strikeouts to pick up the win. He also had a two-run double in the first inning to help give Maryknoll a 3-0 lead.

Young walked six, struck out four and gave up three hits in the loss. 

The Spartans' victory overshadowed an incredible game by Kapolei catcher Mykah Kuratani. The 5-foot-5 junior went 4 for 4 at the plate and had a two run double in the fifth inning to give Kapolei a 4-3 lead.