Falcons Shape Up For 2011 In Summer Baseball League

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Among coach Shannon Hirai’s priorities during American Legion League summer play is to identify his 2011 Kalani High pitching staff - and he’s halfway there.

“We’d be comfortable with four - two starters and two relievers,” he said. “We still have to find two more to help with all our doubleheaders. No one else has really stepped up other than Bryson (Shiraishi) and Chase (Sumida).”

The pair have carried the Falcons throughout ALL play, logging most of the innings. Shiraishi has been especially strong, giving up only three hits over 10 innings of work. That stretch included throwing five innings against OIA runner-up Campbell and yielding only one hit.

“Bryson is having a pretty good summer. Right now, he’s been our biggest surprise. He has good movement with his fast ball.

“He’s not real overpowering, but it helps to have that movement. He’s getting more comfortable every game and gaining confidence. We’re throwing him against the better teams. He’ll need to step it up next year.”

The Falcons took a 7-7 mark into the weekend, with games remaining against Aiea (at 4 p.m. Sunday at Central Oahu Regional Park), Kaiser (4:30 p.m. July 14) and Waipahu (9 a.m. July 17).

Wednesday’s matchup with OIA East rival Kailua is a “must win.” At .500, Kalani was in ninth place, one slot out of the playoffs since the top eight finishers advance.

“We’re right on the edge,” said Hirai, whose team has beaten Castle, Damien, Pac-West, Mililani and Maryknoll among others. “I think we’d have to win out to get in. We’re still real young, but it seems like we’re getting better with every game.”

Kalani must replace 10 seniors from spring, including the entire middle infield. Seniors-to-be Matt Murakami and Spencer Shiroma have had solid summers and will be counted on for leadership.

“They’re both hitting pretty good in the No. 3 and No. 4 spots,” Hirai said. Shiroma was a right fielder last season and is moving to center this summer. Murakami played first base in the spring and is transitioning to the outfield.

Less certain is where Sumida will play when not on the mound. “He caught some last year, and he had pretty good composure for a freshman. As a pitcher he has a good curve ball and he can throw strikes. He’s also hitting the ball pretty good. He’s one of the guys we’ll depend on for power.”

With the team in the midst of a long layoff before the Kailua game, Hirai plans to use both Shiraishi and Sumida versus the Surfriders.

While pitching is becoming a bright spot, Hirai still looks for improvement defensively. “We’ve had our problems with being consistent, making the routine plays. It’s been hard getting out of that funk, but we’ve played everyone competitively this summer.”

Hirai also is encouraged by the incoming freshmen. Ten of them already are playing in the ALL younger division. “It looks like we have some pretty good middle infielders and a couple of good lefties.”