Mid-Pacific's Ryan Kiyotoki connects with a pitch against Saint Louis. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Saint Louis' Rayson Romero makes a throw to first base against Mid-Pacific. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Mid-Pacific's Jacob Maekawa scoops up a grounder against Saint Louis. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Saint Louis pitcher Jordan Yamamoto throws a pitch to the plate against Mid-Pacific. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Mid-Pacific pitcher Chase Wago went the distance, allowing no runs on nine hits with two strikeouts to pick up the win against Saint Louis. Sylvia Lee | SL

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WAIPIO – Early mistakes were the difference in a tight battle between the state’s top two teams.

Mid-Pacific, ranked No. 1 in the ScoringLive/OC16 Baseball Power Rankings, scored on an unearned run in the top of the first to squeak past Saint Louis, 1-0, at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park Wednesday afternoon. The Owls improve to 6-0-1 in Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I play while the second-ranked Crusaders drops to 5-2. 

“Thank goodness it’s over,” said Mid-Pacific coach Dunn Muramaru. “They (Saint Louis) were on the verge of scoring how many times. It was a good game.”

The game was originally supposed to be played on Mar. 7., but the game was postponed due to inclement weather. 

“We were looking forward to this game because (Saint Louis) had a really good pitcher out there too and we were just prepared for it,” said Mid-Pacific pitcher Chase Wago. 

The pitcher that Wago is referring to is senior Crusader Jordan Yamamoto. Coming into this game, Yamamoto compiled 18 strikeouts and two wins in as many games.

“Thank goodness we got to beat Yamamoto. That’s a great pitcher out there,” exclaimed Muramaru. “That was the only we could beat them, 1-0. (If) we give them a run we don’t win.” 

Mid-Pacific’s lone run of the game was scored by leadoff hitter Cal Muramaru. The Crusaders looked prime to record the routine out, but the throw to first was off its mark, allowing Muramaru to trot all the way to second base. Muramaru later advanced to third after a passed ball while Noah Shackles was at bat. Shackles then grounded out to second, bringing home Muramaru for the only score of the game.

“(That was) the difference in the game,” lamented Saint Louis coach George Gusman.

Despite the early mishap, Saint Louis had their opportunities to put some points on the board, having recorded nine hits on Wago. Unfortunately the Crusaders couldn’t drive their runners home, leaving seven on base, four that was in scoring position. 

“(Couldn’t get) timely hits,” said Gusman. “We got to hit the ball. We had enough opportunities, (just couldn’t) drive them in.”

On the other side, Wago was extremely happy with his defense’s performance. 

“I was super relieved and happy,” said Wago after the win. “My team did really good. My defense backed me up (and) they probably saved me from a lot of runs. 

“I just have to trust them. They (are) always there for me (through) everything. Like even if I do bad, they’re always back there for me so I always have something to (fall) back on.” 

Muramaru was also pleased with the way his players played, giving all the credit to them.

“They just played well,” Muramaru said of his team. “It wasn’t what the coaches did today, it was what they did today.”

The Owls host Pac-Five Friday while Saint Louis takes on No. 5 at the Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park.

“It feels good but we’re still battling because everyone in the ILH is about even,” said Wago. “We just got to stay on top and try to keep our composure.”