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Eastside (Hawaii) saw its undefeated run in the Cal Ripken World Series come to an end on Saturday as Southeastern Lexington (Ky.) defeated the team from Oahu, 10-0, in four innings to claim the United States championship in Aberdeen, Md.
Eastside, the Pacific Southwest regional champion, couldn’t muster any runs against Kentucky’s Austin Dick, who gave up six hits but was tough when it mattered most.
Eastside left seven runners on base in the first three innings.
The game was called after four innings due to the mercy rule.
Eastside loaded the bases in the top of the second inning, but Blaine DeMello’s long fly ball was caught just a few feet short of the wall for what nearly a grand slam.
Ryne Yamashiro capped an outstanding tournament as the only Eastside player with multiple hits, singling and doubling in his two at-bats.
Yamashiro hit .750 (12-for-16) with six doubles and two homers in six games.
Eastside finished 5-1 and had outscored opponents 47-13 heading into Saturday’s final.
Kentucky advances to play Japan in the world final today at 8 a.m.
Kaimana Souza-Paaluhi, Nicholas Benner, Trevin Tengan and Robert Phelps had Eastside’s other four hits.
Eastside is the fourth team from Hawaii to reach the U.S. title game and first since Hilo won it in 2006.
