SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Christian Donahue's hustle led to the go-ahead run and Pikai Winchester's solo homer helped back a strong pitching performance by starter Caleb Duley as Waipi'o defeated Shelton, Conn., 3-1, last night at the Little League (ages 11-12) World Series.

In winning its opening game, Waipi'o may have suffered a tough loss after catcher Iolana Akau was hit by a pitch in the first inning. Akau suffered a hairline fracture in his left elbow and is not expected to play in Waipi'o's next game.

"As far as right now, it looks like he's out," manager Timo Donahue said.

Yesterday, with the score tied at 1, Christian Donahue singled in the fourth and advanced to second on a passed ball. Catcher Anthony Searles threw the ball back to pitcher Eddie Kochiss, though time was never called and Kochiss didn't notice Donahue stealing third on the same play.

Donahue then put Waipi'o ahead to stay when he scored on a wild pitch. Winchester's solo shot to center added an insurance run in the fifth.

"I was sitting on a fastball, then I just clutched up and hit it out," Winchester said.

Timo Donahue said Christian has been a spark for the team all season.

"He's actually one of our better baserunners," Donahue said of his son. "The benefit he gets is I'm always in his ear. On this team, he does get things going for us."

Kochiss homered for Shelton (0-1). He had the only hit in five innings off Duhay, who struck out nine.

"I was feeling pretty confident when I got up there," Duhay said. "Except for the home run ... kind of hung my splitter."

Tanner Tokunaga struck out two in the sixth for the save.

The game was delayed for nearly 85 minutes in the fifth because of a rainstorm, but Timo Donahue said, "I really don't think it had much of an effect playing wise. I was getting cold so I can only assume the kids were getting cold as well."

Waipi'o will next play Tampa, Fla., tomorrow at 2 p.m (Hawai"i time). The game is scheduled to be televised on ESPN2 and broadcast on radio station ESPN 1420.

"They looked really good," Donahue said of Tampa, which beat Rapid City, S.D., 10-0, yesterday on a no-hitter. "Every team here are champions. There shouldn't be any easy game. (It) should be another tough battle for us."