Punahou's Aaron Tom connects on his second home run of the afternoon against Mid-Pacific. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Punahou's Aaron Tom connects on his second home run of the afternoon against Mid-Pacific. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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MANOA — Throughout the first two innings, a question was constantly asked in the Punahou dugout.

"What's the score?"

And the answer back to it would be 0-0.

But in reality, it was 16-0 after the first two innings of play.

Punahou caught fire early and often for 17 hits to beat Mid-Pacific in mercy-rule fashion, 19-0, Thursday afternoon in an ILH baseball contest at Damon Field.

The Buffanblu (2-0) sent their entire lineup to the plate in the top first inning and scored five runs in the opening frame before racking up 11 runs in a dominant second inning.

Punahou coach Keenan Sue said the call from the dugout has been a mainstay for the past couple of years.

"It's just our way to keep the guys focused and present," he said. "Baseball is a humbling game. Any time you get too high or too low, it's going to come back and bite you. We just try to keep them focused on the now by just saying ‘hey, it's 0-0.'

"It's not meant to be facetious or cocky or anything. It's just saying ‘hey, let's stay focused.' We just kind of say be grateful where you're at, but you're not entitled to anything so just keep grinding."

Punahou's Matt McConnell throws a pitch to plate against Mid-Pacific. Greg Yamamoto | SL