O'ahu advances in Ripken series
Special to The Advertiser
Jeremy Fujimoto had three hits and pitched a one-hitter over four innings as O'ahu defeated Saint Mary's County (Md.), 9-3, yesterday to finish pool play with a 4-0 record in the Cal Ripken World Series (12 years old) at Aberdeen, Md.
O'ahu finished first in the National Division and begins single-elimination play today against Lexington, Ky., of the American Division. Lexington beat Waite Park, Minn., 12-3 yesterday.
"I'm just glad we're going to the single-elimination round," O'ahu manager Gerald Oda said. "All the teams have been outstanding. Anything can happen from this point on and I'm just happy that our kids got us out of pool play."
With the win, O'ahu knocked out Pine Bluff, Ark., giving Greenwich, Conn., the National Division's second berth. Raleigh, N.C., also advanced.
Jarret Arakawa led off the game with a solo home run to right center.
"It started off on a good foot. I hit another one in the last tournament so that's good too," said Arakawa.
He finished with three hits and scored two runs.
O'ahu's Keenan Shigematsu went 3 for 4 with five RBIs.
Fujimoto struck out eight and walked one in four innings.
Losing pitcher Brady Jameson gave up seven earned runs on eight hits in 1áinnings.
If O'ahu wins today, it plays for the U.S. championship tomorrow. The U.S champ plays the International champion for the World Series championship.
— Mary Beth Kozak
SAINT MARY's, MD. 000 003—3 4 2
O'ahu 430 20x—9 11 0
Brady Jameson, Devin Mackey (2), Tyler Summers (5) and Jimmy O'Grady. Jeremy Fujimoto, Brett Watanabe (5), Jordan Oshiro (6) and Landon Yoshikawa, Gavin Okada. W— Fujimoto. L—Jameson.
Leading hitters—SM: Summers, double, 2-3. O'ahu: Jarret Arakawa 3-4, double, home run, 2 runs; Fujimoto 3-3, 3 runs; Keenan Shigematsu 3-4, double, 5 RBIs.
LITTLE LEAGUE
Pearl City loses first in pool play finale
Palma Ceia/Bayshore of Tampa defeated Pearl City, 10-9, in the Little League Juniors (13- to 14-year olds) World Series in Taylor, Mich., on the final day of pool play.
Tampa finished 4-0 in the five-team pool of United States teams. Pearl City (3-1) finished second.
The teams play again today to determine the U.S. champion. That winner will play the International Championship tomorrow for the World Series championship.
John Abreu led Pearl City, going 3 for 5, including an double and two RBIs. Ryan Acosta added two hits.
Peter Kirkwood hit two home runs for Palma Ceia/ Bayshore.
— Neal Ruhl
Tampa 202 501 0—10 11 0
Pearl City 112 212 0— 9 12 1
Pearl City battery: Keita Murakami, David Lee (3), Duane Kiyota Jr. (6) and Ace Nago, Lee (6). Leading hitters—P.C. John Abreu 3-5, 2 RBIs. Ryno Acosta 2-3, RBI; Bully Casarez double, RBI.
PONY
Mililani-Caguas game suspended by rain
The game between Mililani and Caguas (Puerto Rico) in the PONY (13- to 14-year olds) World Series was suspended by rain yesterday in Washington, Pa.
The game will resume 6 a.m. today Hawai'i time with the score tied at 1 and Caguas batting in the bottom of the third.
If Mililani wins, it advances to tomorrow's championship game.
If Mililani loses, it plays Caguas again later today in the double-elimination tournament.
