Hilo’s bats weren’t exactly stymied, but when it mattered most Chula Vista proved its pitching prowess.
The Pony 13s were denied a berth in the World Series on Monday in a 6-1 loss in the PONY League West regional championship game in Whittier, Calif.
Coach Bully Ahuna’s message was onward and upward.
“They had a good run and worked hard,” he said. “We’ve got to get bigger, stronger and faster.”
Hilo connected for 10 hits – Cody Kunimitsu collected three and Stone Miyao capped a sterling tournament with two. But it couldn’t muster a rally and suffered its first postseason loss.