After struggling at the plate for for the first six innings, Reece Kiriu got on track in a big way with an RBI single to right field that broke a 7-7 tie in the top of the seventh inning as Punahou broke away from rival Saint Louis, 11-7, to capture the Interscholastic League of Honolulu baseball championship today at Ala Wai Field.

Both teams had already secured berths in next week's state tournament — Saint Louis by virtue of winning the ILH regular-season title and Punahou by seizing the post-season tournament championship — but yesterday's matchup was significant because the winner will likely receive the No. 1 seed in the state tournament and with it a coveted first-round bye.

Punahou, the four-time defending champion, finished third in the regular season but beat Saint Louis, 12-7, on Thursday to win the double-elimination ILH tournament.

"This was just a great championship game and Saint Louis is a great team," said Punahou coach Eric Kadooka. "It's been a long season of ups and downs and you have to play well at the end. It took a team effort today to get the win."

Tyler Young led Punahou, hitting 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI. Zach Kometani also hit 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

The Crusaders were led by Lucas Gonsalves and Moses Samia, who both hit 2-2 with an RBI. Tamatoa DeMello added a double and a run.