Pearl City wins state majors

By Baxter Cepeda
Advertiser Staff Writer

David Lee pitched a three-hitter and struck out 10 as Pearl City beat 'Aiea, 4-0, in the Little League Majors (ages 11-12) final. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Lee pitched a three-hitter to help Pearl City beat 'Aiea, 4-0, yesterday and move a step closer to the nationally televised Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.

Last year Waipi'o became the first Hawai'i team since 1988 to advance to the World Series, capturing the hearts of Hawai'i residents along the way.

Lee says Pearl City has the potential to do as well as Waipi'o, which went 2-1 but failed to reach the championship round in the World Series because of a tiebreak rule.

"I think we could if we just stay into the game," said Lee, who struck out 10 and walked two in a six-inning, complete-game win at 'Aiea Annex Field. "Everyone can see how our team helps each other."

Pearl City must win the Western Regional to be held in San Bernardino, Calif., Aug. 1 to 12, to reach the World Series, which is set for Aug. 15-24.

"If we play as a team the way we did today, hopefully, we can go pretty far," said Bryson Namba, whose two-run double sparked a four-run sixth inning. "We need some more teamwork and contact on the ball."

Alika Pruett singled in the first run of the inning and the fourth scored on an error.

Pearl City started its rally against 'Aiea starter Tyler Abasial, who had not allowed a hit since the first inning.

"It was just good hits (in the sixth)," said Abasial, who was removed for Kelly Masuda after allowing Namba's double. "I was doing everything that I could and they were just hitting them."

Abasial said Pearl City can surpass Waipi'o's run.

"Their team is just great," Abasial said. "Their hitting, defense, pitching — everything."

'Aiea assistant coach Gary Maeda agrees.

"I tell you what ... this Pearl City team has a bunch of boys that can throw the ball," Maeda said. "I think they'll do really well up there.

"Good luck to Pearl City all the way."

Pearl City coach Keith Nakamura said the team has the defense it takes but that it will work on patience at the plate, among other things.

"It's just a matter of putting their minds to it and they'll be fine," Nakamura said. "I think the kids have the heart to do it.

"As for following Waipi'o — I hope we can. We'll try our best."

Nakamura added that Lee needs to have more performances like he did yesterday for the team to succeed.

"All season he has been there for me," Nakamura said. "I stick with my guns."

Joshua Manuma, who had the first Pearl City hit in the sixth, expects the playoff road to last a while.

"I think we can go pretty far if we put our minds into it, work hard and play the way we have been playing throughout this whole tournament," Manuma said. "If we do, then we'll be real good. I think we can do it."

Pearl City 000 004 — 4 6 2
'Aiea 000 000 — 0 3 3

David Lee and Bryson Namba. Tyler Abasial, Kelly Masuda (6) and Dylan Mopas. W—Lee. L—Abasial.

Leading hitters—Pearl City: Lee 2-3. 'Aiea: Mopas 2-3.