The Hilo All-Stars were looking at an abbreviated stay at the state Little League tournament Saturday until Gomes stepped to the plate.
On his 11th birthday, Gomes saved the day with a game-winning two-run double to lift Hilo to a 4-3 victory against Aiea. After it fell behind 3-0, Gomes helped Hilo stay in the game with a 3-2/3 shutout innings of relief.
Hilo secured the trip to Oahu by winning a district tournament in Naalehu, but Gomes also wanted to thank his grandmother for making the trip happen.
His favorite athlete is Big Papi, and Gomes’ father, Chris, call him “Big Jake.