Hilo (Hawaii) completed a dominant run through the Senior League World Series, defeating Tyler (Tex.) 11-1 on Saturday in the championship game in Bangor, Maine.
Koa Matson delivered the decisive blow, crushing a three-run double to right-center in the bottom of the fifth inning to end the game via the mercy rule.
It took a few seconds before Hilo realized the game was over. Matson’s teammates rushed out of the dugout to mob him near the pitcher’s mound and celebrate the championship.
"Our hitting came through … our pitching came through. We had to turn double plays to get the outs; everything fell into place," coach Kaha Wong said.
Hilo outscored its opponents 52-12 and only got better as the tournament went on. In its last four games, including Saturday, Hilo won by a combined total of 38-2.
It’s just the third time in nine years a team has completed the Senior League World Series undefeated. Hilo is the first team to win the title game by the mercy rule and also the first to win the Senior League World Series twice, having won it in 2003. Texas was also undefeated heading into Saturday’s game.
Chayce Kaaua finished 3-for-3 with two runs scored to end an amazing run in which he hit .632 (12-for-19).
Kean Wong, brother of former UH All-American Kolten Wong, went 2-for-4 with a run and hit .522 (12-for-23) in the series.
"It’s been a good ride," Kaha Wong said. "To start (the) year with something like this is awesome."
Korin Medeiros was 3-for-3 with a double, two runs and two RBIs as Hilo played all 14 players in the game.
Hilo’s 16 hits were plenty of run support for pitcher Quintin Torres-Costa, who went the distance, allowing three hits and one run with no walks and six strikeouts in five innings.
"Fastball is my bread and butter, so I had to just rely on that," he said after the game. "If that didn’t work, then I don’t know."
Torres-Costa, Kaaua and Wong have committed to play collegiate baseball at Hawaii.
Wong will be a junior and Torres-Costa a senior at Waiakea, while Kaaua will be a junior at Hilo High.
Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and friends will greet Hilo today at the Hilo Airport. The homecoming will include a water cannon salute by the Hilo airport state fire department crews and entertainment by the Hawaii County Band.
"Hilo and the entire State of Hawaii wants our champion athletes to know they have made us very, very proud," Mayor Kenoi said. "Their demonstration of determination, skill and sportsmanship was unforgettable. We also want to show our aloha for the parents, coaches and volunteers who supported this world champion team."
The team is scheduled to arrive today at 7:40 p.m. on United/Continental Flight 1253 from Los Angeles.
