The Castle Knights will head out to challenge the Kalaheo Mustangs at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Castle's pitching crew has only allowed 2.7 runs per game this season, so Kalaheo's hitters will have their work cut out for them.
On Thursday, Castle beat Kahuku 5-2. The win made it back-to-back victories for the Knights.
Nixon Murphy spent all seven innings on the mound, and it's clear why: he surrendered two runs (both of which were unearned) on one hit and racked up seven Ks. He has been consistent: he hasn't tossed less than six strikeouts in six consecutive appearances.
Landon Pane'e
| 04/16/26 vs Kahuku | 3 |
| 03/28/26 @ Waipahu | 2 |
| 03/26/26 @ Waialua | 2 |
| 04/11/26 @ McKinley | 1 |
| 04/02/26 vs Nanakuli | 1 |
On the hitting side, Landon Pane'e was excellent, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs and one triple. Those three hits gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Kody Luttrell, who went 2-for-3 with two runs and one double.
Meanwhile, Kalaheo made easy work of Kaimuki on Tuesday and carried off a 13-1 victory. Considering the Mustangs have won eight matchups by more than seven runs this season, Tuesday's blowout was nothing new.
Tanner Young made a big impact while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he pitched 2.1 innings while giving up no earned runs off one hit. Young was also big at the plate, getting on base in two of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and one RBI.
In other batting news, Kalaheo got a big performance out of Andrew Taylor, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two runs, one stolen base, and two RBI. Taylor is becoming a predictor of the Mustangs' success: when he posts at least two runs the team is undefeated (and 3-6 when he doesn't). Alex O'Brien was another key player, going a perfect 2-for-2 with three RBI and one run.
Castle's record is now 9-5. As for Kalaheo, their record now sits at 10-6.
Saturday's contest might come down to which pitcher can control the ball better. Castle has hit smart this season, having averaged an OBP of .437. However, it's not like Kalaheo struggles in that department as they've averaged .435. With both teams so capable at the plate, fans should be ready for an impressive hitting performance.
Castle came out on top in a nail-biter against Kalaheo when the teams last played back in March, sneaking past 2-0. The rematch might be a little tougher for the Knights since the squad won't have the home-field advantage this time around. We'll see if the change in venue makes a difference.
