Brian Bautista | SL

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Brian Bautista | SL

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The Monarchs' quest for a three-peat is off to a good start.

Damien opened up its 2024 campaign in the HHSAA/Wally Yonamine Foundation Division II Baseball Championships with a resounding 18-0 win over Molokai.

Nainoa Begonia was a perfect 3 for 3 with a double, three runs scored and three RBI, and brother Kona added a 3 for 5 day at the plate with two runs scored and five RBI to pace the two-time champs, who scored three runs in the opening inning but added nine more in the second to take command.

Four other Monarch hitters had a pair of hits, including starting pitcher Francis O'Connor, who was 2 for 3 with three runs and an RBI. He also pitched the opening frame, recording three strikeouts and one walk.

Three other Monarchs took the mound in a combined one-hitter, Sam Cezar-Kanakaole (2 IP, hit, 2K), John Paparo (1 IP, K) and Nainoa Begonia (1 IP, K).

All nine starters in the lineup recorded at least a hit for Damien.

Molokai's lone hit came off the bat of Kilinahe Puhi.