Wakakuwa's walk-off single leads Hilo over Kamehameha

Hilo catcher Makena Wakakuwa (in focus) had the game-winning RBI in the bottom of the eighth inning to send the Vikings into the quarterfinals against top-seeded Baldwin. Michael Lasquero | SL

WAILUKU, Maui - Mekenna Wakakuwa singled home Legend Lancaster with one out in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift No. 7 Hilo over No. 6 Kamehameha, 6-5, in the opening round of the Wally Yonamine Foundation Division I state baseball tournament Wednesday afternoon at Iron Maehara Stadium.

With the game tied at 5, Lancaster reached on a throwing error by shortstop Elijah Ickes. He then took second on a pick-off throwing error by catcher Beau Sylvester and made it to third on a passed ball before Journey Leialoha walked. With runners at the corners and a 1-0 count, Wakakuwa fouled a squeeze attempt. But on the next pitch, his line single to right scored Lancaster with the winning run.

"The best moment of my life," Wakakuwa said. "After that failed squeeze, I was a little nervous, but it was just a great feeling."

Wakakuwa's father is former Hawaii Rainbow Warrior Kenn Wakakuwa, who also starred for the Vikings.

Eli Yamanaka pitched two scoreless innings of relief to pick up the win. Ethan Waikiki was saddled with the loss.

Kamehameha, which committed five errors leading to three unearned runs, took a 5-2 lead entering the bottom of the sixth inning. The Vikings (6-3) scored three in the bottom of the sixth tie the game at 5. A two-run double by Devin Saltiban pulled the Vikings to within one and Tobey Jackson's infield single tied the game at 5.

Miecah paced the Warriors with a three RBIs on 2-for-4 hitting.

Eli Yamanaka pitched two scoreless innings of releif to pick up the win. He replaced starting pitcher Hekili Robello, who allowed five runs in six innings. Ethan Waikiki took the loss, allowing a run in 1 2/3 innings of relief.

The Vikings will play top-seeded Baldwin at 7 p.m. Thursday in the quarterfinals. The Warriors will play Iolani at 8:45 a.m. in Thursday's consolation semifinals. The team split four games during the ILH season.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].