McKinley is 0-7 against Wai'anae since March of 2017 but things could change on Wednesday. After both having extra time off, the two teams will shake off the cobwebs and hit the field against one another at 3:00 p.m.
McKinley is headed into Wednesday's match looking for a big change in momentum after dropping their third straight game last Saturday. They were a single run away from ending the streak, but they lost a 6-5 heartbreaker at the hands of Nanakuli.
Michael Murata was cooking despite his team's loss, scoring two runs and stealing a base while going 3-for-3. The team also got some help courtesy of Johan Kernstock, who scored two runs and stole two bases while getting on base in two of his three plate appearances.
Meanwhile, Wai'anae put another one in the bag last Saturday to keep their perfect season alive. Their pitchers stepped up to hand Kaimuki a 34-0 shutout.
Chaseten Rice and Rico Gazelle made a splash no matter where they played. On the mound, Rice pitched two innings while giving up no earned runs or hits. Meanwhile, Gazelle pitched one inning while giving up no earned runs or hits. At bat, Rice went 2-for-3 with two triples, two runs, and one RBI, while Gazelle went a perfect 4-for-4 with two triples, two stolen bases, and three runs. Gazelle is crushing it when it comes to stolen bases: he's snagged at least one every time he's taken the field this season.
In other batting news, Kai Keesee was incredible, getting on base in four of his six plate appearances with three stolen bases, four runs, and four RBI. Kamakoa Grace was another key player, scoring four runs and stealing a base while getting on base in four of his six plate appearances.
Wai'anae pushed their record up to 3-0 with the win, which was their sixth straight on the road dating back to last season. As for McKinley, their defeat dropped their record down to 0-3.
McKinley might still be hurting after the 17-1 loss they got from Wai'anae in their previous matchup back in March of 2024. Can McKinley avenge their defeat or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
