Saint Louis tops Mid-Pacific, 7-2, to earn season split


Saint Louis exploded for six runs in a pivotal fourth inning, and got seven strong innings from starter Jordan Yamamoto in an important 7-2 victory on the road against Mid-Pacific.

The visiting Crusaders amassed 10 hits off of Owls' pitchers, led by Ryder Kuhns who batted a perfect 3-for-3 on the afternoon and Rayson Romero, who contributed 2 hits, 2 runs and an RBI from the leadoff spot, which including a double.

A six run margin proved to be more than enough for Yamamoto, who allowed just one earned run on four hits in a complete game victory. He walked three and struck out none.

Daniel Fentriss was 1-for-3 with an RBI double, as the Owls were held to their second-lowest run and hit totals this season.

Freshman starter Chase Wago lasted 3 1/3 innings before yielding to a trio of relievers, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits, striking out 2 and walking one.

The win makes the Crusaders (6-5) at least a mathematical favorite to take the second seed in the upcoming ILH Division I post-season tournament over current third place Punahou (4-5) and fourth place Kamehameha (3-6).

Saint Louis can control its own destiny, securing the second seed with a win over Punahou on April 16 in a 6:00 p.m. game at Ala Wai Field.

Should Punahou win all three of its games down the stretch (Iolani on 4/12, Kamehameha on 4/13, Saint Louis on 4/16), the Buffanblu would claim the second spot. A loss to the Crusaders would clinch the second seed for Saint Louis.

Kamehameha needs to top Mid-Paciifc (4/12), Punahou (4/13) and Iolani (4/16), as well as a Punahou win over Saint Louis just to force a tiebreaker.

Mid-Pacific has already clinched a state berth and the regular season title following Monday's 5-3 win over Saint Louis.