Central Maui Little League All-Stars start strong on opening day of 50/70 Intermediate Division West Region Tournament

The Central Maui Little League Intermediate (age 13) Hawaiʻi State Champs captured game one of pool play competition in Nogales, Arizona, defeating the Southern California Scripps Ranch LL All-Stars 5-1.

“A masterful pitching performance by Maui’s Kalaʻikeha Wong kept the Scripps Ranch hitters at bay all night long, including 12 strikeouts,” according to a team update. “Wong allowed just one-hit over 5 innings, and Maui closer Koltyn Antolin came on for an impressive 24 pitch, two inning save to seal the win.”

Manager Stephen Leis was happy with the game one win saying, “Tonight our ball club combined pitching, defense and clutch offensive pressure for the win. We expected a well played competitive game by both teams and that is exactly what happened on the field of play.”

Maui’s offensive spark was provided by lead-off hitter Noah Mathias, who went 3 for 3 at the plate and stole 2 bases. Jaxon Delos Santos came through, launching a 2-run double over the right fielder to break the game open in the 5th inning.

Maui will face off against Northen California tonight, July 18 in a 8 p.m. (5 p.m. HST) contest at Nagales Fleischer Park Field. The West Regional pool play format features 11 teams, with the top eight teams advancing into a single elimination once pool play is completed. Each of the eleven teams plays four games in the pool play competition and then will be seeded accordingly.

Other Maui games already scheduled include:

• Saturday, July 20: 9 a.m. (6 a.m. HST) vs. Oregon
• Sunday, July 21: 12 p.m. (9 a.m. HST) vs. Arizona

Fans can tune into all the action, click on www.littleleague.org and search the LL 50/70 Intermediate Division website.