ILH Softball
Punahou needs extra innings to top Maryknoll, keep season alive


ScoringLive staff
May 1, 2024, 7:02am

  


Tue, Apr 30, 2024 @ [ 4:00 pm ]

Punahou

7

Maryknoll

5

F/9TH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 89 R H E
Punahou 0 01001005790
Maryknoll 0 0 0020003582

W: Paige Brunn    L: Kasi Cruz

MS: Jennalyn Sniffen 1-3 2 runs 3 rbi HR; Kasi Cruz 8.0 IP 6 ER 6 K
PUN: Shayla Yamashita 2-5 run 2 rbi; Paige Brunn 4.3 IP 3 ER 4 K


Punahou clutched up in a must-win situation, handing Maryknoll its first loss in the ILH double elimination tournament, 7-5, forcing a one game playoff, with the winner securing the league's final berth into states.

A two-all tie was finally broken in the top of the ninth, when the Buffanblu exploded for five runs on four hits, sparked by a Austen Kinney single to lead off the inning that saw her motor all the way to third base on an error.

Kealoha Cox drew a walk a batter later and Taryn Ho was given an intentional walk to load the bases. That sent Kahiau Aina to the plate, and she delivered, lacing a grounder to right that scored Kinney to break the tie.

The Spartans got two consecutive outs on grounders that resulted in runners called out at the plate, setting up a two-out, still bases loaded scenario for Shayla Yamashita.

On a 1-0 pitch, Yamashita delivered in a big way, as a ground ball single to left scored both Aina and Lexi Hinahara to make it a 5-2 game.

With Sydney Capello up to bat, the Buffanblu executed a double steal, getting what would be the eventual winning run when Paige Brunn stole home.

Two pitches later, Capello, who was 3 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI in the game, scored Yamashita from 2nd with a line drive single to cap the scoring in the inning.

Maryknoll rallied in the bottom of the ninth, starting the inning off with back-to-back singles by Dylan Neves and Ciana Kamisato that helped set the table for Jenna Sniffen's three-run blast to center on a 3-2 pitch that got the home team right back in the contest.

Greg Yamamoto | SL    Purchase image

Brunn, who came in to pitch the final 4 1/3 innings of the game, battled for the final two outs to earn the win in the circle, getting the Spartans' number three and four hitters, Palehua Silva and Kasi Cruz, to pop out to end it.

Prior to the ninth inning fireworks, the contest had all the makings of a low-scoring affair, with the first runs by either team coming on a fielder's choice in the third for Punahou and an errant throw following a fly ball out allowing a run through for Maryknoll.

Cruz's RBI double in the fifth that gave Maryknoll its only lead of the game at 2-1, was one of two doubles in the game. The other two-base hit came off the bat of Faatamalii Brown in the top of the sixth, a line drive to left field that scored Capello to knot the score back up at 2-2.

Tasi Taufahema started the game for the Buffanblu and went 4 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking two and striking out one.

Cruz allowed six runs on seven hits, walking seven and striking out six in eight innings in the loss.

The two teams will face off with the league tourney title and state berth up for grabs on Thursday, May 2 back at Sand Island. First pitch set for 3:30 p.m.




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