Aiea players celebrate after defeating Pac-Five to reach the Division II semifinals. CJ Caraang | SL

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Aiea players celebrate after defeating Pac-Five to reach the Division II semifinals. CJ Caraang | SL

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Aiea defeated Pac-Five, 4-1 in the final quarterfinal game of the Wally Yonamine Foundation/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II Baseball Championships at Hans L'Orange Field Thursday night.

Jansen Kudaishi got the start on the mound and scattered four hits in six and two-thirds innings of work to pick up his second win of the season.

"We felt that Jansen, a right-hander, matched up well against Pac-Five because they so many left-handed pitchers during the regular season," explained Aiea coach Ryan Kato. "We went with that philosophy and it panned out.

"I wasn't surprised at what Jansen did. He comes out there and he's a bulldog, don't let the height fool you. He has the heart of a lion and he just keeps going. He gave us everything he had and I expected nothing less from him."

Kudaishi was backed by a strong defensive effort that included a handful of highlight worthy plays, particularly by left fielder Chazdyn Quebral Acosta.

"We focus so much on our defense in practice, and it's beautiful to see it finally come to fruition," said Kato. "These guys work hard on it and they take pride in their defense. To see them display it tonight, it makes it all worth it."

Kobe Kato came in for Kudaishi with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh to record the save and close out the game.

Na Alii's biggest source of offense came from Jaryn Nakamoto, who was a last minute lineup decision. Nakamoto had a three run double in the bottom of the second inning to break a scoreless game.

Pac-Five's Owen Saito gave up nine total hits in the loss. He also struck out three batters.

Francis Sonata scored the Wolfpack's lone run of the game when Christian Jones was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh.

Aiea will face KS-Hawaii in a 1 p.m. semifinal match at Les Murakami Stadium Friday.