WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Just winning that first game put us in a good position to get out of the pool play round.

It was a good game. I thought we'd score more than we did.

But it looks like our bats are starting to wake up. Good sign.

Once again, they (players) seemed pretty relaxed, though this was a big stage.

Not sure how many people were announced at the game, but the stadium was filled.

It was loud. The kids couldn't hear (us) on the field. I told them every pitch, they have to look in (the dugout) so we can position them.

THE SPARKPLUG

Reporters asked if Christian was a sparkplug (because he manufactured the go-ahead run by taking an extra base). He does a good job doing that. He fits that role really well.

It's all in their hands whether they're going to do that or not.

I could tell he was going to do it.

It's too loud (so) their team can't yell (to alert their players). They can't hear.

COSTLY VICTORY

The victory was bittersweet. (Catcher and clean-up hitter Iolana Akau suffered a hairline fracture of the left elbow.) We worked from four years ago. Our goal was San Bernardino (site of the Western Regionals).

This was the year we were waiting. We thought we'd make it out of San Bernardino ... we thought, this was the year.

Now, in the first inning, he plays in the World Series, he's hurt. I feel bad for him.

All that work he put in, he might be done now. We found out during the rain delay. (Father) Kiha had to bounce back, focus, because he's one of our coaches.

That's a huge loss. He's our starting catcher. He's one of our pitchers. He's our fourth batter. Right now, I think, he's a kid. He's not letting anything show right now. It's not a guarantee, but we're holding out hope that he can come back.

As far as (today's off day), we're going to go back down to where the parents are at and we're organizing a team dinner with everybody.