Na Koa Ikaika lose opener at Chico

By Fred Guzman

Managing just five hits while committing an uncharacteristic four errors last night, Na Koa Ikaika Maui suffered a 5-2 road setback to the Chico Outlaws in the opening game of the best-of-five Golden Baseball League championship series.

Game 2 is tonight, with the first pitch set for 4:05, Hawaii time. The game will be aired on ESPN 550 and via the internet on espn550.com.

Na Koa held a 2-0 led going into the bottom of the third inning before the defensive wheels starting falling apart.

One of the miscues was debited to second baseman Gered Mochizuki, who to his credit accounted for a pair of hits.

The series schedule after tonight’s game has been tweaked.

Unwilling to go head-to-head with the Baldwin vs. Lahainaluna football showdown under the Friday Night Lights at the adjacent War Memorial Stadium, Na Koa Ikaiaka opted to postpone Game 3 at Iron Maehara Stadium until Saturday night.

Under the revamped schedule, Game 4, if necessary will be held on Saturday, also at 6:35. Again, if necessary, Game 5 would be played on Monday, most likely at 1 p.m. because plane reservations have already been made.

Kickoff for the game between the Bears and Lunas is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday’s MIL football game will be held Upcountry, with Kamehameha hosting King Kekaulike.