'Aiea scored early, and survived a shaky sixth inning to defeat Moanalua, 7-4, in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association baseball championship game last night at Central O'ahu Regional Park.

'Aiea — which won its first OIA title since 2004 — was bolstered by big plays by its seniors.

"This is sweet," said senior rightfielder Shane Koga, who doubled in the game's first two runs, and also threw out a runner at first base. "We won it in '04, but we didn't play. Now, we're playing and it's that much sweeter."

'Aiea senior designated hitter Brian Morihara went 2 for 3 with two RBIs, and senior leftfielder Reid Nakamura went 2 for 2 with a double and an RBI. Anthony Tsui, a junior second baseman, added two hits.

In three OIA playoff games, Na Ali'i outscored their opponents 15-5 and allowed 10 hits. They now head to the state baseball tournament next week on Maui with a first-round bye.

"I feel so good for these boys," said 'Aiea coach Ryan Kato, whose team did not have a home field this season, playing its "home games" at Central O'ahu Regional Park.

Yesterday's championship was rescheduled after rain postponed Saturday's contest.

"They didn't miss a beat," Kato said. "They were able to gear it up, and it showed. They jumped on (Moanalua) early. I told the boys, this is their night."

Na Ali'i took a 7-0 lead into the top of the sixth inning, but Moanalua scored four runs to close to 7-4.

In the seventh inning with 'Aiea closer Randy Castillo on the mound, Moanalua got runners on first and third with two outs, but Castillo got the final batter to fly out to left field.

'Aiea scored five runs in the bottom of the first off Michael Amorozo.

Koga and Morihara each hit two-run doubles, and Keenan Naeole added a sacrifice fly.

Na Ali'i made it 7-0 in the second inning on Cody Aquino's run-scoring sacrifice bunt, and Nakamura's run-scoring double.

In the sixth inning, Moanalua loaded the bases with no outs, and scored its first run on Jordan Monico's RBI groundout. Na Menehune added three more runs on three errors and a wild pitch.

With runners on first and third with two outs, 'Aiea senior catcher Tripper Chung picked off the runner at third to end the rally. Chung also threw out two base runners in the first inning.

"Give 'Aiea credit," Moanalua coach Scott Yamada said. "They executed early, and we made a few errors in the beginning that cost us. But at the same time, I give my team credit for battling through this whole thing, and never giving up."

'Aiea starter Aquino, a junior left-hander, earned the victory, allowing two earned runs in five-plus innings. He allowed one hit, walked three, hit three batters and struck out four.

"The thing that makes him impressive tonight was, he didn't have his best stuff, but he found a way to get it done," Kato said.

Five OIA teams — 'Aiea, Moanalua, Kaiser, Kailua and Castle — qualified for the Wally Yonamine Foundation Baseball State Championship, May 17 to 20, at Iron Maehara Stadium.

MOANALUA (11-2) 000 004 0—4 2 1

'AIEA (12-1) 520 000 X—7 10 4

Michael Amorozo, Jared Coloma (2), Markus Miyashiro (3) and Wayde Iwanaga, Bryce Onaga (6). Cody Aquino, Randy Castillo (6) and Tripper Chung. W—Aquino. L—Amorozo.

Leading hitters: Moanalua— Trevan Kawaoka double. 'Aiea—Chung triple; Shane Koga double, 2 RBIs; Reid Nakamura 2-2, double; Brian Morihara 2-3, double, 2 RBIs; Anthony Tsui 2-3, double.

Reach Brandon Masuoka at bmasuoka@honoluluadvertiser.com.