Punahou outlasts MPI after trading big innings

Punahou's Kawailana Mielke (10) lined a three-run shot to cap an eight-run fifth inning that broke a four-all game. Greg Yamamoto | SL

MANOA — Kawailana Mielke lined a three-run shot to cap an eight-run fifth inning that broke a four-all game to extend Punahou's lead for the eventual 16-11 win over host Mid-Pacific Wednesday afternoon in Interscholastic League of Honolulu play.

Pinch hitter Briahni Alejo initially brought in the game-winning run with a single to centerfield to bring Mielke home earlier in the fifth.

The Buffanlu padded their lead an inning later with D'Asha Saiki's RBI-single followed by Bailey Akimseu's two-RBI double to go up 15-4.

With the healthy lead, starting pitcher Akimseu was lifted for sophomore Ashanti Martinez and she quickly loaded the bases with Kenna Silva following to cash in with a two-RBI double. After nabbing the second out of the frame, Martinez walked the next batter to again load the bases with Silva and Kiani Oshiro scoring on the next two at-bats to make it a 15-9 ballgame.

Shortstop Kennedy Ishii was brought in to the pitching circle, but Keaolani Takemura singled to bring another run in. Jenna Wong scored to make it 15-11 before the side was retired.

Mielke came round to score again in the top of the seventh to add another run before Ishii closed out the game in the bottom half of the inning.

Punahou improves to 2-1 and will host PAC-5 (0-3) on Friday.

Mid-Pacific falls even to 1-1 and will play Saint Francis (0-1) on Saturday.

Buffanblu and Owls will meet up again on April 11.