Muramaru, Wago help lift Mid-Pacific to 4-2 win over Iolani


Chase Wago went the distance for Mid-Pacific, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits with one strikeout against Iolani. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Cal Muramaru's bases-clearing triple capped off a four-run rally in the bottom of the fifth inning, and Chase Wago went the distance in Mid-Pacific's 4-2 win over Iolani at Mid-Pacific Field.

"That was the last thing I thought (would happen)," said Mid-Pacific head coach Dunn Muramaru of his son's drive to the fence in center. "I was hoping single or something, a blooper or something. Plus he gets asked to the prom too."

Its unclear whether or not his game-breaking hit factored into the prom invite, but the deep shot to center by Muramaru was certainly a huge factor in the contest.

Not only did it break up a no-hitter by Iolani starter Joshua Inouye, who had largely stifled the Owls' batting order through his first four innings of work, but gave Wago the cushion needed down the stretch.

"That was a turning point in the game, everything changed after that," said Wago. "It was like our only hit and we had to capitalize on all the walks and passed balls and stuff."

A passed ball and an intentional walk helped to load the bases, setting the table (and stage) for Muramaru's heroics.

"First pitch comes, fastball in, next pitch, same pitch, drill 'em, that's all I was thinking" recalled Cal Muramaru, "Yes, I got all of that."

While Muramaru's three-run base knock was the turning point, the battle on the mound between Inouye and Mid-Pacific starter Chase Wago was the main event in a game that saw the first 12 outs literally whiz by.

The Raiders managed the first hit of the game off of Wago in the top of third inning, as Caleb Duhay laced a one-out grounder up the middle to put the first runner on for either team. But Iolani was unable to capitalize, with a fly out to right and a force out at second retiring the side.

Iolani connected for two more base hits in the fourth inning but Mid-Pacific got out of the inning thanks to a nifty pick-off move by Wago to get Bronson Ichimura and then an inning-ending throw by Noah Shackles to nab Austin Jim On trying to steal second.

"I think it was pretty much everything, just keep on throwing strikes, keeping it down and letting them hit, let my defense work, just compete with the other pitcher cause he was doing a good job too," said Wago of his performance.

Shackles was hit by a pitch to leadoff the fifth inning, and courtesy runner Jarrod Infante avoided a tag near the bag to steal second, giving the Owls its first runner in scoring position in the game. A wild pitch on a called third strike allowed Infante advance to third, putting runners on the corners for Jarrett Lum, who grounded to the second baseman. The throw to the plate was not in time, scoring Infante on the play for the game's opening run.

"It was very important," said Lum of getting that first run on the board. "When it gets to the fifth and sixth innings, it gets really hard to score runs."

Then with two outs, Nagata was intentionally walked to load the bases for Muramaru, and the senior outfielder came up clutch, launching a deep shot to center just out of the reach of the Raiders' center fielder Max Look, allowing Ryan Kiyotoki, Sean Kinel and Bryce Nagata to allow touch home plate.

"It felt awesome. First two times up to bat I was o-fer," said Cal Muramaru. "This time (up to bat) I was ready, when I got that hit I was super happy. That was amzaing for me."

Iolani mounted a rally in the top of the seventh, as Caleb Duhay connected with a Wago offering for his third hit of the game, this one good for a double into the gap in right center to put runners on second and third, and Aaron Nakasone legged out an infield single to score Matt Campos, putting the Raiders on the scoreboard.

That brought the tying run to the plate in Max Look, who lined to center for an RBI single to pull the Raiders to within 2. The rallly would end there, however, as Wago got Bronson Ichimura to grounded out to second to end the game.

Wago went the distance for the Owls, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits with one strikeout. He did not walk a single batter. Iolani starter Inouye pitched five strong innings, allowing 4 earned runs on just one hit with three strikeouts and three walks.

Caleb Duhay was a standout for Iolani offensively, with three base hits in three appearances, including a double.



Reach Brien Ing at [email protected].