Kaiser takes sole possession of first in OIA East with rout of Kalani


Greg Yamamoto | SL

With one game to go, the race for the top spot in the OIA East is still very much up for grabs, but Kaiser's 12-2 win over Kalani on Senior Day put much of the control into the Cougars' hands.

Trendee Kahunahana led the game off with an inside-the-park home run to spark the home team offensively, and Keira Uegawachi had yet another strong outing in the circle to lead the way for Kaiser, who can lock up the number one seed in the upcoming league playoffs with a win Thursday over Castle.

The Cougars racked up 13 hits in the contest compared to just two for the Falcons, including five of the extra base variety. All nine hitters in the starting lineup recorded either a hit or drove in a run.

Kahunahana, who batted 2 for 3 with three runs scored, two RBIs and a stolen base, extended her current hit streak to four games and stolen base streak to five.

"I think it's been staying patient and letting the ball come to me more," said Kahunahana of her hitting. "Just having fun with it and being relaxed."

Her current hot hitting has coincided nicely with Uegawachi's success as starter as of late. Since Mar 18, she's been pretty much lights out, allowing just two earned runs in 39 2/3 innings. The seven walks today were a bit of a concern, but she credited her team's defense for coming up big.

"I walked more batters today than I would usually, but my defense had my back," said Uegawachi. "I know my pitches aren't dominant, so I just pitch the ball and let my defense work its magic out there."

Kaiser scored at least two runs in each inning except for the fourth. The Cougars have reached double digit run totals in every game except for four, a 14-4 loss to Moanalua on Mar 14, a 4-1 win over Kalani on Mar 18, a 6-1 win over Castle on Mar 21 and a 4-0 win over Moanalua on Apr 3.