Falcons Still Have A Chance To Make ALL Baseball Playoffs

Wednesday - July 01, 2009
By Jack Danilewicz
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Cody Nakashima steals second at the bottom of the first inning in a June 22 game against Saint Louis at Kahala Community Park. Photo by Byron Lee, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

For the Kalani baseball team, the next few weeks will be about getting into position to get into position - for the American Legion League playoffs, that is.

The Falcons were 4-7-2 through 13 games and two points out of the eighth and final playoff spot. A strong run in their last eight games could, nevertheless, enable Kalani to advance. That would be a big bonus for a team that has been plagued by injuries this summer, with projected starters Gavin Shiramatsu (eye), Spencer Shiroma (eye) and Cal Sumida (knee) for next season largely absent from the lineup.

“We’ve struggled a little bit, but we’re still battling for the playoffs,” admitted Kalani head baseball coach Shannon Hirai. “We have a shot still yet, and making the playoffs would allow us to play a few more games. They’re getting better. It’s been good for the kids to see where they stand and where they need to be.”

The Falcons’ schedule has helped. With 21 teams in the 19-and-under division, and the Falcons going with a lineup of high school players, Hirai’s team has been able to test itself against the best every day out.

Nothing seasons a team better than playing in the close games. The Falcons have had their share, most notably a 3-3 tie with Saint Louis recently, a game in which Kalani pitcher Devin Lee produced his second straight complete game.


 

“Devin has been outstanding,” said Hirai, noting Lee’s impressive performance versus Kapolei in another recent encounter.

Pitching is much on the mind of the coach this summer as he looks to solidify his staff for next spring. “We’ve had to use a lot of pitchers this summer, which is good. You need that with so many doubleheaders (in spring season). We feel more comfortable with five guys who can throw strikes consistently, and I think we may have that next year. We’re getting a little more depth in our pitching staff.”

In addition to Lee, the Falcons also boast Kiel Odo and Gavin Okada. Although not in the mix for this summer, senior-to-be Joey Asuncion is rehabbing from surgery and “should be ready in the fall,” according to Hirai, who envisions him as the team’s closer.

Odo, who is normally a starting catcher, has been logging a lot of innings this summer and “could be our No. 1 or No. 2 guy next year,” in Hirai’s view.

Hirai entered the summer looking to find a new middle infield, and he’s been pleased with the progress of Cody Nakashima and Dane Onaga at shortstop and second base, respectively. Freshmen Brandon Valenzueal and Jarin Nomura also have had productive summers.


As in past years, the ALL allowed for only wooden bats in the first half of the season, but aluminum bats will be reinstated beginning with Sunday’s game versus Roosevelt at 9 a.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.

“It will be interesting to see how we hit after 13 games. We’ve been starting to hit the ball a little better because of the work in the weight room last year. The kids are a little stronger, and that’s helped a lot. Our work ethic has gotten better, and as long as we have that, good things will happen for us later on.”

After Sunday’s game, the Falcons still have games remaining with Mid-Pacific July 10, Campbell July 12 and Pearl City July 15. League playoffs begin July 26.

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