Aloha all-stars trounce Hawaiian all-stars, 14-0
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
WAIPAHU — The third annual Sugar Mill Senior Classic all-star baseball game wasn't quite up to par as the last two as the Aloha Stars trounced the Hawaiian Stars, 14-0, yesterday at Hans L'Orange Park.
The Aloha Stars were made up of players from Interscholastic League of Honolulu schools, while the Hawaiian Stars were composed of players from O'ahu Interscholastic Association schools. Both squads were augmented by players from the Neighbor Islands.
Aloha sent 11 batters to the plate in a seven-run first inning off Hawaiian starter Chad Bailey of Campbell. The starting pitchers were scheduled to pitch two innings, but Bailey was lifted before the start of the second inning.
Kamehameha infielder Bronson "Bully" Sardinha had three hits to lead Aloha's 14-hit assault. Sardinha did not plan to play, but decided to at the last minute.
"I haven't played since we were eliminated from the ILH," said Sardinha, who is expected to be taken in next week's major league draft. "It's been a long time since I've seen some live pitching."
He used a wooden bat, which is what he will use if he turns pro. He already has signed a letter of intent with Pepperdine.
Mid-Pacific second baseman Dane Marcoullier and Maui outfielder Royce Fukuroku each had two hits for Aloha.
Eight Aloha pitchers teamed on a five-hitter. Starter Hubert Pruett of Kamehameha allowed a hit and two walks in two scoreless innings.
St. Louis' two-time all-state pitcher Brandon League opted not to play. League, who also has signed with Pepperdine, is expected to be taken in the first two rounds of the draft.
Defensively, Marcoullier stole a hit away from Moloka'i's Kelii Alcon with a diving stop in the first inning. In the seventh inning, Hilo right fielder Kaine Charlston made a diving catch of a line drive by Kaua'i's Mark Rodrigues, stealing a sure extra base hit.
Hawaiian pitchers weren't as fortunate; four of the seven combined for 12 walks. Only 'Aiea's Casey Onaga, Kahuku's Daniel Kawahakui and Rodrigues pitched scoreless innings.
There weren't many bright spots for the Hawaiian Stars, as no player had multiple hits. Kaua'i's Kamanu Grace did steal second and third base after drawing a walk in the eighth, but was stranded.
But the game provided camaraderie for players who are usually in opposite dugouts during the regular season.
"This was a good experience," said Iolani first baseman Blaine Umeda, who is headed for the University of San Francisco for baseball. "It's good for the people to see all the talent (in the Islands). And it's fun for Iolani players to be playing with Kamehameha players and others."
The game also allowed college coaches to peruse the talent. California-Irvine coach John Savage, whose school is reviving its program for the 2002 season, was in attendance. California-Irvine is scheduled to play the University of Hawai'i March 1-3.
St. Joseph pitcher James Onaga, who struck out two in his scoreless inning of relief, said he will walk on at Cal-Irvine.
Also, three Punahou players who played yesterday recently signed with Pepperdine. They are pitchers Peter Phillips and Kea Kometani, and infielder Spencer Kam.
Aloha was coached former UH assistant Coop DeRenne and former Rainbow Curt Watanabe, while Hawaiian was coached by former pro catcher Garrett Nago and Nathan Numata.
