Waikiki 3, North Shore 2 (10 Innings)

First baseman Yonder Alonso (Reds) put Waikiki on the brink of the HWB league’s Eastern Division title with a walk-off homer in the tenth Wednesday night against North Shore. Alonso went 2-for-5 in the game with two RBIs and a double to go along with the home run. Alonso, the Reds first pick in the 2008 draft, is now 7-for-16 with a homer and four RBIs over his last for games. Not to be outdone, Giants top pick catcher Buster Posey had a very good nigth as well, going 2-for-5 with a run scored and a double. Posey leads the HWB league with a .373 batting average on the campaign. The other star for Waikiki during the evening was right hander Andrew Brackman (Yankees). Brackman has been up and down throughout the HWB league season, and he was up for this game. Despite allowing five walks in five innings Brackman managed to scatter his nine baserunners and only allow two runs. The two runs that North Shore got off of Brackman were both via solo homers, one by first baseman Kyu Hyun Moon (Lotte Giants) and the other by left fielder Jordan Parraz (Astros). Honu started right hander Jason Godin (Royals) who actually outpitched Brackman through his 4 2/3 innings allowing just two hits, two walks, no runs, and striking out four. Unfortunately for Godin, the North Shore bullpen was unable to hold the lead and the Honu fell 3-2.

 West Oahu 5, Honolulu 1

West Oahu started right hander Fumikazu Kimura (Seibu Lions) who led the way to an easy 5-1 win over Honolulu Wednesday. Kimura went 5 2/3 innings allowing three hits, one run, three walks, and striking out four. The victory was the twenty-year-old Kimura’s first in the HWB league. West Oahu got offensive contributions from a slew of players, starting with leadoff hitting left fielder Kyle Peter (Tigers) who went 3-for-5 and scored twice. Peter remained in second place in the HWB league batting average race, sitting at .368. CaneFires second baseman Mark Hallberg (Diamondbacks) remained hot going 3-for-4 with an RBI (Hallberg is hitting .366), as did third baseman Tyler Henson (Orioles) who went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a double. Former Orioles pitching prospect attempting to come back from multiple injuries as a first baseman Adam Loewen (Blue Jays) had a good night as well going 3-for-4 with a run scored, his first stolen base, and an RBI for West Oahu. Honolulu left hander Jonathan Venters (Braves) was effective in the loss. Despite giving up nine hits Venters allowed only two runs (one earned) and struck out four. Venters ERA stands at 2.90 for the HWB league season.

West Oahu 6, Waikiki 3

West Oahu clinched the West Division title of the HWB league season by defeating Waikiki 6-3 on Tuesday night. Left fielder Cyle Hankerd (Diamondbacks) led the way for West Oahu hitting a grand slam in the first. The homer was Hankerd’s fifth of the winter. CaneFires second baseman Mark Hallberg (Diamondbacks) stayed hot going 3-for-5 with two runs scored.  West Oahu started right hander Cody Scarpetta (Brewers) who was excellent. Scarpetta went five innings allowing just one hit, no runs, and striking out eight. Waikiki’s offense came from first baseman Yonder Alonso (Reds) who went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. West Oahu will play in Sunday’s title game against either Waikiki or Honolulu.

North Shore 5, Honolulu 4

North Shore got just enough offense to defeat Honolulu 5-4. The Honu offense was led by third baseman Kyle Martin (Royals) who went 2-for-5 with a run, a double, and two RBIs. North Shore center fielder Corey Brown (A’s) added his fourth homer of the winter campaign, a solo shot, in the Honu’s victory. Honolulu’s offense was led by second baseman Bradley Emaus (Blue Jays) who went 2-for-4, scoring once with a double and an RBI. Right fielder Dominic Brown (Phillies) contributed a 2-for-4 night with a double and a two run homer. Honolulu remained a half game behind Waikiki in the chase for the HWB league Eastern Division.

Honolulu 4, Waikiki 1

Right hander Kyle Drabek (Phillies) looked great Sunday night for Honolulu tossing six innings of one hit ball. Drabek allowed no runs, walked one, and struck out three. Drabek’s ERA now stands at 2.76 for the HWB league season. The Sharks offense was led by left fielder Michael Taylor (Phillies) going 3-for-4 with a solo home-run. Waikiki right hander Waldis Joaquin (Giants) matched Drabek for five innings before giving way to the bullpen. Joaquin went five allowing two hits, no runs, and walked five. Waikiki’s offense was led by left fielder Logan Kieschnick (Giants) who went 2-for-4 with a solo homer. Kieschnick’s homer was his fifth of the HWB league season. Kieschnick is now second in the HWB league season.

North Shore 6, West Oahu 6 (Tied Seven Innings)

West Oahu left hander Chris Cody (Brewers) led the way for West Oahu going five innings allowing one hit and no runs for a no decision. The CaneFires offense was led by second baseman Mark Hallberg (Diamondbacks) who went 3-for-4 with two runs and a three-run homer. West Oahu third baseman Tyler Henson (Orioles) added a 2-for-4 night and scored a run. North Shore started left hander Jose Capellan (Red Sox) went four innings allowing one run and striking out five. The Honu’s offense was led by center fielder Corey Brown’s (A’s) going 1-for-4 with two runs and a two-run homer. Indians outfield prospect Matt McBride went 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. The Honu came from behind to tie the game with West Oahu. The tie prevented the CaneFires from clinching the division title and a berth in the championship game. 

North Shore 11, Waikiki 1

Waikiki righthander Andrew Brackman (Yankees) lost his control against North Shore on Wednesday night, walking seven. Brackman lasted only 3 1/3 innings in giving up seven runs and striking out six.

Brackman had been solid his last few outings, mainly because he had found his control after struggling early. Brackman allowed only three hits in the game, but the walks were too much to overcome and gave him his fourth loss of the winter.

North Shore’s offense got multiple contributions. The offense was led by designated hitter Ryan Kalish (Red Sox) 1-for-2 with two runs, an RBI, three walks, and two stolen bases. Kalish now leads the HWB league with 12 stolen bases this winter. Honu left fielder Matt McBride (Indians) went 3-for-5 with a run, a double and two RBIs to lead North Shore.

[...] Continue Reading »

Waikiki 8, North Shore 6

Waikiki left fielder Roger Kieschnick (Giants) led a very good offensive night for Waikiki going 2-for-5 with a solo homer. The home run was Kieschnick’s fourth of the HWB league season moving him into second place in that category for the winter. Waikiki shortstop Tony Thomas (Cubs) added a 3-for-5 night with a solo homer of his own. Right fielder Alfredo Silverio (Dodgers) also contributed with a 2-for-5 night with a run and an RBI for the BeachBoys. North Shore’s offense came from several of their top prospects. Designated hitter Ryan Kalish (Red Sox) went 2-for-3 with a run scored and two walks. Catcher Jason Castro (Astros) went 3-for-5 with a run and an RBI, and short stop Yamaico Navarro (Red Sox) added 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Cubs left hander Jeremy Papelbon picked up his fifth save to lead the HWB.

West Oahu 13, Honolulu 5

West Oahu right fielder Caleb Gindl (Brewers) led the way for the CaneFires going 2-for-5 with a run, a double, and three RBIs. Second baseman Mark Hallberg (Diamondbacks) had another good game going 2-for-4 with three runs, two walks, and two RBIs for the CaneFires. West Oahu’s offense continued to roll with both left fielder Cyle Hankerd (Diamondbacks) and catcher Chris Hatcher (Marlins) each drove in three runs in the rout. Honolulu’s offense had several quality nights, led by first baseman Kala Ka’aihue (Braves) went 2-for-3 with a homer and four RBIs. Ka’aihue’s homer was his fourth of the season to tie him for second in the league. Right fielder Dominic Brown (Phillies) went 2-for-4 with two runs scored, and catcher Tony Cruz (Cardinals) went 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. 

North Shore 3, Honolulu 1

North Shore left hander Jose Capellan (Red Sox) extended his scoreless streak to 8 2/3 innings on Sunday against Honolulu. Capellan went 3 2/3 allowing no runs and striking out three but did not factor in the decision. Sharks right hander Kyle Drabek (Phillies) was solid in his first start of the HWB league season going 5 2/3 allowing three runs and striking out five. The Honu offense was led by first baseman Chris Carter (A’s) who went 2-for-3, and center fielder Corey Brown (A’s) went 1-for-5 with a run, a double, and an RBI. The Sharks managed little offense against North Shore’s pitching even after Capellan left, but left fielder Michael Taylor (Phillies) did manage to go 2-for-5 in the game.

Waikiki 6, West Oahu 5

Waikiki got just enough offense to get the win Sunday against West Oahu 6-5. Second baseman Tony Thomas (Cubs) led the way for the BeachBoys going 2-for-5 with a solo homer. Waikiki first baseman Yonder Alonso (Reds) went 3-for-5 with an RBI, right fielder Juan Silverio (Dodgers) went 2-for-4 with a run and two doubles, and third baseman Marquez Smith (Cubs) went 1-for-4 with a solo home run in the winning effort. Waikiki started right hander Waldis Joaquin (Giants) who was very effective as well going six innings allowing three runs (two earned) and striking out two in a no decision. West Oahu’s offense came from right fielder Caleb Gindl (Brewers) who went 2-for-4 with two runs, a double, and an RBI.

North Shore 6, West Oahu 3 (7 Innings)

North Shore short stop Kyle Martin (Royals) went 2-for-3 with a run and a three run homer. Martin’s homer was the fifth of the HWB league season, giving him the overall lead in the category. North Shore right hander Christopher Hicks (Astros) got the win in relief going 2 1/3 innings allowing no runs and striking out two. West Oahu third baseman Tyler Henson (Orioles) went 1-for-3 with a triple and three RBIs. West Oahu center fielder Gregory Burns (Marlins) stole his tenth base of the winter season, tyling him for the HWB league lead in stolen bases.

Waikiki 5, Honolulu 2

Right hander Andrew Brackman (Yankees) went six innings allowing two runs (one earned) to get his third win of the winter season for Waikiki. Brackman has struggled with command at times in the HWB league. However, control was not a problem Thursday night as he allowed only four hits and one walk, while striking out seven. Waikiki right hander Jordan Pratt (Dodgers) went two innings allowing no hits or runs, and five strikeouts. BeachBoys catcher Buster Posey (Giants) went 2-for-5 with a run and an RBI. First baseman Yonder Alonso (Reds) had another good game for Waikiki going 3-for-5 with a double and an RBI. The big blow for the BeachBoys came from second baseman Damon Sublett (Yankees) who went 2-for-4 with two runs and a two-run homer. Sharks right hander Satoshi Nagai (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles) matched Brackman for six innings allowing only two runs before handing it to the bullpen which failed to keep the game tied. Nagai allowed seven hits with no walks and striking out eleven. Nagai’s ERA now stands at an outstanding 1.80 in the HWB league season.

Waikiki 9, Honlulu 0

Catcher Buster Posey (Giants) led the BeachBoys to their fifth straight win on Wednesday night defeating first place Honolulu 9-0. Posey went 4-for-6 with a run scored and three RBIs. Posey is now hitting .515 in the HWB league through 33 at-bats. Posey is also now tied for eighth in the league with thirteen RBIs as well. Waikiki first baseman Yonder Alonso (Reds) added 2-for-5 with a run, an RBI, and a double. BeachBoys left hander Mitsuo Yoshikawa (Nippon Ham Fighters) got the win with another strong outing going six innings allowing no runs and striking out nine. Yoshikawa lowered his ERA to 1.82 on the HWB league season. Yoshikawa now ranks fifth in the HWB league in ERA. Sharks catcher Tony Cruz (Cardinals) went 2-for-4 with a double to lead the Honolulu offense.

North Shore 7, West Oahu 3

Left hander Yasutaka Hattori (Chiba Lotte Marines) got the win for North Shore to improve to 3-1 on the winter season. Hattori threw five innings allowing two runs (one earned) and striking out three. Honu left fielder Matt McBride (Indians) went 2-for-5 with a run, two doubles, and an RBI. Catcher Jason Castro (Astros) went 2-for-4 with a double, a run scored, and two RBIs for the Honu. North Shore second baseman Ron  Rivas (Indians) added a 2-for-4 day and drove in two. West Oahu second baseman Mark Hallberg (Diamondbacks) went 3-for-5 with a run and double, and third baseman Tyler Henson (Orioles) went 2-for-4 with a run, a double, and a triple in the losing effort.

West Oahu 8, North Shore 2

Following a couple of days of rainouts the HWB league returned to action on Tuesday night. West Oahu and North Shore were tied 2-2 going into the ninth, thanks in no small part to the teams starting pitchers. West Oahu got six runs in the ninth to blow the game open and get the victory 8-2. CaneFires lefthander Chris Cody (Brewers) went five scoreless innings allowing only four baserunners and striking out four. Cody was matched by Honu lefthander Jose Capellan (Red Sox), a major league Rule 5 pick a year ago by the Giants. Capellan went five scoreless allowing only three baserunners and striking out three. West Oahu centerfielder Kyle Peter (Tigers) went 4-for-5 from the leadoff spot to spark the CaneFires. Peter also stole his ninth base of the winter season ranking him second in HWB. West Oahu shortstop Mark Hallberg (Diamondbacks) went 2-for-3 with a run scored and three RBIs, and left fielder Logan Schafer (Brewers) went 2-for-4 with two runs. Honu left fielder Matt McBride (Indians) went 2-for-5 with a solo homer in the loss. Honu righthander Brett Hunter (A’s) took the loss allowing six runs (five earned) in a third of an inning.

Waikiki 12, Honolulu 9

Honolulu had a great night on offense Tuesday, but Waikiki was just a bit better. Waikiki had big offensive nights from several of its key prospects. Giants catching prospect Buster Posey continued his hot hitting going 2-for-3 with three RBIs to improve his HWB batting average to .481 through 27 at-bats. BeachBoys second baseman Tony Thomas (Cubs) went 1-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and two RBIs. The triple by Thomas was his fifth in the HWB league, and he is the outright leader in that category. Shortstop Todd Frazier (Reds) hit a solo homer for Waikiki. Beachboys right fielder Alfredo Silverio (Dodgers) had a 3-for-5 night with three runs scored, and center fielder James McOwen (Mariners) added a 2-for-3 game with two runs, a double, triple, and three RBIs. Waikiki used all that offense to combine with fifteen walks by Honolulu pitchers to gain the advantage and win the 12-9 slugfest. Honlulu’s offense was pretty impressive as well, led by second baseman Brad Emaus (Blue Jays) who went 2-for-4 with three runs scored, a double, and a solo homer. Sharks right fielder Dominic Brown (Phillies) had a good night as well, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored.

The Arizona Fall League’s third-annual Rising Stars game will take place tomorrow night (Friday Oct. 24). The players were split into two teams, as chosen by scouting and minor-league directors for all MLB organizations.

Although this is only the third year, the Rising Stars game has already served as a sneak preview for MLB’s future stars. The inaugural game featured players like Ryan Braun (Brewers), Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies), Yunel Escobar (Braves), Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox), Kevin Kouzmanoff (Padres) and Hunter Pence (Astros). Last year, the game featured Max Scherzer (Diamondbacks), Travis Snider (Blue Jays), Jed Lowrie (Red Sox), Jeff Clement (Mariners) and Dexter Fowler (Rockies).

The starting pitchers scheduled for the game are righthanders Tommy Hanson (Braves) and Phil Hughes (Yankees). The rosters are available below. [...] Continue Reading »

Waikiki 9, West Oahu 8

West Oahu left fielder Cyle Hankerd (Diamondbacks) had a huge night on Wednesday. Hankerd went 3-for-5 with two runs scored, a double, two home runs and five RBIs. The homers were the first two Hankerd has hit the HWB league after he hit just five in 436 at-bats this season for Double-A Mobile. Hankerd had a good bit of support in the game as the BeachBoys scored eight runs in the losing effort, but the other big blow came from fellow Diamondback prospect second baseman Mark Hallberg who added a solo shot in the fifth. The offense for Waikiki was a bit more spread out. Canefires first baseman Yonder Alonso (Reds) delivered their biggest blow with a two-run homer in the fifth to give Waikiki the lead for good. Alonso is now tied for second in the HWB league with three home runs. CaneFires designated hitter Buster Posey (Giants) had another good night, his second back in the HWB, going 1-for-2 with two runs scored. Waikiki got good production from Dodgers outfield prospect Alfredo Silverio who went 2-for-4 with two runs and an RBI, as well as third baseman Marquez Smith (Cubs) who went 1-for-2 with a couple runs scored, a double and two RBIs.

North Shore 7, Honolulu 0

North Shore had four pitchers combine to shut out Honolulu on Wednesday night 7-0. Honu right hander Jason Godin (Royals) led the way going five innings scattering seven hits and three walks while striking out six. North Shore’s offense cam from Astros top prospect catcher Jason Castro who went 2-for-4 with two runs, a double, and a solo homer. Honu left fielder Matt Mcbride (Indians) also got into the act with a 3-for-4 night including two runs and a solo homer. The other big offensive night for North Shore came from right fielder Kenji Sato (Chiba Lotte Marines) who went 2-for4 with a run, a double, and two RBIs. Honolulu right hander Satoshi Nagai (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles) turned in another solid outing despite getting the loss. Nagai went five allowing five hits, two runs, one walk, and striking out six. Nagai’s HWB league ERA now stands at an outstanding 1.50, tops among starters in the league.

Waikiki 8, West Oahu 5

Waikiki righthander Andrew Brackman (Yankees) bounced back from several rough outings in a row to pick up a second win. Brackman went five innings allowing one earned run and striking out four. The biggest difference between his last two rough outings was his control. Brackman walked only one batter in five innings compared to four in his last two starts. Brackman got a lot of offensive support, mainly from two former Florida State stars. Second baseman Tony Thomas (Cubs) went 2-for-4 with two runs and a triple. Catcher Buster Posey returned to the HWB league with a bang, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored, a double, and four RBIs. Posey has been sent back to Arizona to work on his catching after problems with passed balls. Giants outfielder Roger Kieschnick added three RBIs of his own in the contest. West Oahu’s offense got a solid night from outfielder Gregory Burns (Marlins) who went 2-for-4 with a run, a double, and two RBIs in the losing effort.

[...] Continue Reading »

Honolulu 2, Waikiki 0

Braves left handed prospect Jonathan Venters shut down Waikiki with five innings of three hit ball, striking out five. Venters picked up his second win in Hawaii Winter Baseball and lowered his ERA to 3.00 for the campaign. The Sharks bullpen then combined to throw four innings of one hit ball, led by Braves prospect Michael Broadway, who threw two perfect innings striking out two. Rockies prospect Andy Graham picked up the save with a one hit ninth. Graham now leads HWB with three saves. Sharks catcher Tony Cruz (Cardinals) led the offense with a 3-for-4 day driving in one and stealing a base. The BeachBoys started Japanese left hander Mitsuo Yoshikawa (Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters) had another solid outing throwing five innings of two-run ball (one earned) and striking out five in the loss. Yoshikawa is now second in the HWB league in ERA at 2.41. Waikiki relievers, right handers Javy Guerra (Dodgers) and Steve Edlefsen (Giants) combined to throw four innings of one hit ball. [...] Continue Reading »

A couple of weeks ago, Orioles righthander Tim Bascom probably wasn’t exactly looking to go hang out on the beach and do some surfing or snorkling or anything fun for that matter. And who could blame him? In his second outing in Hawaii Winter Baseball, he turned in a stinker, allowing eight runs, seven earned, and managed to get only four outs before getting pulled.

Fortunately for him, he’s back on track. Bascom ran his scoreless innings streak to nine on Wednesday as he fired five scoreless frames, striking out two, in a 7-2 West Oahu win against Honolulu.

Bascom, as you may recall, was originally drafted by the Padres in the sixth round in 2006 and actually agreed to a $140,000 bonus before the Padres rescinded the offer following a medical evaluation (it was discovered he had a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee). He tried to return to Central Florida but was declared ineligible because of his negotiations with a pro club. But the Orioles signed him after he pitched in the independent South Coast League. He was 6-5, 5.78 in 97 innings this year at high Class A Frederick, striking out 74 and issuing 46 walks.

Another Orioles prospect, Wally Crancer, and Pirates infielder Miles Durham each had two hits and three RBIs in the game.

Meanwhile, rain continues to hamper the HWB schedule. North Shore and Waikiki game was rained out Wednesday and has yet to be rescheduled.

West Oahu 7, Honolulu 2

West Oahu righthander Timothy Bascom (Orioles) threw five perfect innings to snap the CaneFires’ four-game losing streak with a 7-2 win over Honlulu. Bascom picked up his first Hawaii Winter Baseball win, striking out two in the outing. Bascom, 23, had a 5.78 ERA in 95 innings this year with high Class A Frederick.

West Oahu’s offense was led by first baseman Miles Durham (Pirates) who went 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs. CaneFire DHr Wally Crancer (Orioles) added a triple and three RBIs in the game. Also contributing for West Oahu were second baseman Mark Hallberg (Diamondbacks) and short stop Brian Friday (Pirates), who added two hits apiece. The only significant offense for the Sharks came from right fielder Ryo Hijirisawa (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles), who went 1-for-2 with a triple and an RBI.

North Shore at Waikiki (Postponed: Power)

North Shore 14, Waikiki 5

North Shore ended a three-game skid with a bullet defeating Waikiki 14-5. Waikiki righthander Andrew Brackman (Yankees) was knocked around again, going four innings and allowing three runs. His control escaped him as he walked four in four innings. North Shore was led by Athletics center fielder Corey Brown, who reached base five times, going 2-for-3 and walking three times. Brown added a three-run homer and three runs scored.

Honu shortstop Kyle Martin took over the Hawaii Winter Baseball home run lead with his two-run homer in the ninth, his fourth of the winter campaign. The Honu offense also got excellent games from left fielder Matt McBride (Indians) and second baseman Kurt Mertins (Royals), who added two RBIs apiece. Honu right fielder Kenji Sato (Chiba Lotte Marines) contributed a 2-for-3 game driving in three and walking twice. Honu lefthander Yasutaka Hattori (Chiba Lotte Marines) got the win, throwing five innings allowing only two runs and striking out eight. Waikiki got solid offensive nights from left fielder Roger Kieschnick (Giants) and second baseman Damon Sublett (Yankees), who each drove in two runs.

Honolulu at West Oahu was postponed due to rain.

Honolulu 6, North Shore 3

On the strength of first baseman Kala Ka’aihue’s (Braves) two home runs, Honolulu doubled up North Shore 6-3 for its fifth straight win. Ka’aihue now shares the lead in the Hawaii Winter Baseball with three home runs after going 2-for-4 with a three-run homer and solo shot. Sharks leadoff hitter Shiintaro Masuda (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles) had a perfect night for Honolulu, as the shortstop went 3-for-3 with a double, an RBI, a walk and a stolen base. Sharks lefthander Jonathan Venters went 4 2/3 innings, allowing only one run and striking out four. Venters got a no-decision, leaving the game in a 1-1 tie before Ka’aihue got going. The Honu offense got a solid night out of Astros catcher Jason Castro, who reached base three times by going 2-for-4 with a walk. First baseman Chris Carter (A’s) added a 1-for-4 night with a double and a run scored in North Shore’s losing effort.

West Oahu 1, Waikiki 1 (10 Innings)

Pitching ruled in the contest between Waikiki and West Oahu. West Oahu lefthander Chris Cody (Brewers) went five inning, allowing only one run and two baserunners. Waikiki lefthander Mitsuo Yoshikawa (Nippon Ham Fighters) had another solid outing, throwing five innings allowing no runs and only three baserunners. Yoshikawa lowered his ERA to 2.63 for the winter. The offense was pretty non-existent, but BeachBoys left fielder Todd Frazier (Reds) went 2-for-4 with two doubles and drove in their lone run. Frazier now leads HWB with 14 RBIs. The CaneFires offense was led by first baseman Mark Hallberg’s (Diamondbacks) RBI double, and shortstop Brian Friday (Pirates), who went 2-for-4 with a double.

Honolulu 4, Waikiki 0

Yankees 2007 first-round pick Andrew Brackman’s return from Tommy John Surgery continued on Thursday. The Waikiki righthander’s struggles continued as well against Honolulu in a 4-0 loss for the BeachBoys. Brackman lasted only 3 1/3 innings, allowing one run and two hits, walking four and striking out four. Brackman now has a 5.91 ERA through three starts in the Hawaii Winter Baseball league. Brackman’s counterpart on the mound was Japanese righthander Satoshi Nagai (Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles), who tossed five scorless innings to pick up his third victory of the season. Nagai lowered his ERA to 0.64 with the strong outing and struck out six to give him 15 strikeouts in just 14 innings of winter ball. Offense was scarce in a game that featured six walks, three wild pitches, and two errors for the BeachBoys, which led to all of the Sharks scoring. Sharks catcher Tony Cruz (Cardinals) had the biggest night of any hitter going 1-for-2 with a walk and scoring two runs.

North Shore 5, West Oahu 4

Red Sox outfielder Ryan Kalish hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to lead North Shore over West Oahu 5-4. Kalish finished the game 3-for-5 with the home run and four RBIs. The twenty-year old Kalish hit .273/.365/.363 with five homers and 46 RBIs during the regular season between low Class A Greenville and high Class A Lancaster. Kalish was not the only hot hitter for the Honu. Royals third baseman Kyle Martin had another big game and took over the HWB home run lead with a solo shot in the fifth. Martin went 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a double, finishing a triple short of the cycle. All of the Honu’s runs came off the West Oahu bullpen. CaneFires righthander Timothy Bascom (Orioles) went four scoreless and struck out six in a no decision. The CaneFires’ offense was led by second baseman Mark Hallberg’s (Diamondbacks) solo homer in the fifth. Marlins centerfielder Gregory Burns added a 3-for-4 night with a triple for West Oahu in the loss.

Honolulu 3, Waikiki 1

Twenty-year-old Mets righthander Josh Stinson (2-0) threw four scoreless innings to lead Honolulu to a 3-1 victory over Waikiki. Stinson leads Hawaii Winter Baseball with a 0.87 ERA after three games (two starts). The Sharks’ offense was provided by Phillies outfielder Dominic Brown, who went 2-for-3 with a double and two runs. Sharks third baseman Darin Holcomb (Rockies) also went 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. The Beach Boys lone run came off the bat of Reds first round pick from this season firstbaseman Yonder Alonso. Alonso hit his first professional home run, a solo shot in the seventh.

North Shore 13, West Oahu 6

The Honu got plenty of offense in Wednesday’s game en route to a 13-6 rout of West Oahu. Leading the he Honu offense was Royals second baseman Kurt Mertins, who went 2-for-2 with three runs and four RBIs including a home run and a stolen base. Mertins got plenty of help from his teammates in the game; left fielder Matt McBride (Indians) went 2-for-4 with three runs and a two-run homer, third baseman Kyle Martin (Royals) went 2-for-5 with a homer and two RBIs in the contest. The CaneFires offense was led by Pirates secondbaseman Jim Negrych, who went 2-for-5 with two runs and a double, and rightfielder Kyle Peter (Tigers) went 3-for-3 with a triple and two RBIs.

West Oahu 7, North Shore 6

Chris Carter (Athletics) tied for second in the minor leagues in home runs this season with 39. He didn’t slow down yesterday, as the North Shore first baseman went 3-for-4 with a solo-homer, a double and four runs scored. But West Oahu came from behind in the top of the ninth to defeat North Shore 7-6. The winning run for the CaneFires scored on a passed ball when Honu catcher Adam Davis (Indians) failed to block a pitch from A’s righthander Sam Demel that allowed Tyler Henson (Orioles) to score. West Oahu got two RBIs from Miles Durham (Pirates) and Cyle Hankerd (Diamondbacks). The CaneFires also got a big game from James Skelton (Tigers), who went 3-for-3 with a double. The Honu’s offense also got production from DH Ryan Kalish (Red Sox) who went 4-for-5 with an RBI and his fifth stolen base. Second baseman Kyle Martin (Royals) went 2-for-5 with an RBI and left fielder Matt McBride (Indians) went 2-for-5 with two RBIs.

Waikiki 8, Honolulu 4

Waikiki scored eight runs through four innings, which proved to be enough to beat Honolulu 8-4. The BeachBoys got plenty of offense from third baseman Todd Frazier (Reds), who went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and hit his sixth double. Shortstop Yuji Onizaki (Yakult Swallos) went 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBIs, and first baseman Yonder Alonso (Reds), who went 1-for-3 with a double. The Sharks offense was led by Ruben Tejada (Mets), who went 1-for-4 with a double. Lefthander Mitsuo Yoshikawa (Nippon Ham Fighters, 1-0) got the win for Waikiki despite allowing four runs (all in the fifth inning) in 4 2/3 innings.