Leilehua's Wayne Abear throws a pitch to the plate against Aiea. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Aiea's Jaycob Alcantra throws a pitch to the plate against Leilehua. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Leilehua's Mikah Takashige connects with a pitch against Aiea. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Leilehua's Trey Yukumoto soars to snag a ball against Aiea. Sylvia Lee | SL

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‘AIEA – Leilehua isn’t giving up just yet.

The Mules snapped a three-game losing streak to keep their playoffs hope alive with a 3-2 win over ‘Aiea Saturday afternoon. Leilehua improves to 3-6 in Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West league play while Na Ali’i dropped to 4-6.

The last few games, things just didn’t work out right. I think the kids had a good week of practice,” said Leilehua coach Lane Watanuki. “It was a good experience for the kids, a good way to come out today. They came together and they played well.” 

With Kapolei (3-7) losing to Mililani 2-1 this past Friday, Leilehua moves up from last place to fifth in the standings. Only the top six teams in the OIA Red West will advance to the league’s 12-team playoffs.

“I had to (help) break the losing streak to pick my team up. This win was important to us,” exclaimed winning pitcher Wayne Abear.

Abear displayed great poise on the mound, firing a two-hitter in 6 1/3 innings of work. The only runs that Abear gave up came in the first inning. After that it was all smooth sailing for the visiting Mules.

“Wayne did a hell of a job today,” Watanuki said off Abear. “That guy right there deserves all the credit in the world; he did a great job.”

Mikah Takashige relieved Abear late in bottom of the seventh to pick up the save. Defense played a big part in sealing the deal, ending any potential ‘Aiea comeback with a 4-6-3 double play.

“I thought today was a good game. It was way better than the last games we had,” said Abear. 

The Mules’ offense was also a big factor in their victory. After only garnering two hits each in of its past two games, Leilehua’s bats came alive with a 10-hit performance.

“This whole week we’ve just been practicing mentality, physically (in our) hitting,” said Leilehua’s Jonah Paas. “Today it showed that it was all there today.” 

Paas led the Mules offensively, batting 3 for 4 with two doubles and two ribbys. 

“Jonah had a good day. It was good to see Jonah swing the bat. He hit like (we know) he can today,” Watanuki said on Paas’ performance.

Paas’ double to right field drove in Ricky Van Gelder to tie it up 2-all in the top of the second inning. He later doubled to center in the top of the fourth to drive in Nainoa Paragoso for what would be the game-winning run. 

“I just try to push the team to the limit,” said Paas. “Coach always tells me I’m the team leader and I hit the hardest on the team. I just try to believe in what my coach says and put my all into it every at bat.” 

Leilehua continues its playoff push with a home game against Pearl City (3-7). ‘Aiea will look to ensure their playoff spot with a date at No. 1 Campbell (10-0). Both games are slated for 3:30 p.m. on Apr. 12. 

“The momentum is just going to keep (us) pushing and we’re going to keep striving to get on top because it’s never too late,” said Paas. “We started from the bottom and we can make it. We just got to keep winning and hopefully we (can) get to (the playoffs.”