CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT: McCully 6 – 5 Waialae 03/16/14 Sunday @Hans L’Orange

McCully defeated Waialae 6 to  5 in the Championship Tournament 10am game @Hans L’Orange to advance to the Championship Tournament 1pm game @Hans L’Orange vs Waipahu, with the winner advancing to the Championship game 7pm on Monday (3/17) vs Pearl City @Hans L’Orange.  Waialae with the loss, is eliminated from the Championship Tournament.

McCully scored 5 runs early then withstood several furious Waialae rallies to keep the game tied going into the bottom of the 9th where McCully scored the game winning run on a 3-2 walk off walk with the bases loaded and 2 outs.  The game featured fine defensive play as each team only committed 1 error each despite strong gusty winds pushing fly balls deep into the outfield.  Waialae centerfielder Mark Okano made a web gem over the shoulder sliding catch in deep centerfield with the high winds pushing the ball deep in the bottom of the 8th inning with runners on base to preserve the tie game for Waialae.

McCully relief pitcher Scott Uehara earned the win by retiring 10 straight Waialae batters from the 6th inning in relief of starting pitcher Rick Miyamoto.  Waialae relief pitcher Kenny Nakamoto matched Uehara with his longest career best relief appearance, shutting out McCully for 6 innings in relief of starting pitcher Branden Ikeda, who left the game in the 3rd inning with an apparent  arm injury.