Ryder Kuhns’ two-out, opposite-field single brought pinch runner Anthony Lau home for the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning as Saint Louis rallied past ‘Iolani 3-2 to capture the ILH regular-season baseball title.

"Ryder’s dangerous. Ryder’s Ryder. I’m just so happy for him," coach George Gusman said.

With the win, Saint Louis (12-3) clinched the regular-season title. A loss to the Raiders would have opened the door for Mid-Pacific, which entered Saturday’s matchup with Kamehameha at 10-3-1. The Crusaders’ victory secured an automatic state-tournament berth.

"It feels great. I just feel like the pressure is off us. We’re finally in states," Kuhns said.

Since losing to Saint Louis on Tuesday, MPI waited patiently and needed a Saint Louis loss to have a chance at the regular-season title. Instead, the Crusaders seized control. After the game, MPI coach Dunn Muramaru walked over to Gusman near the dugout and congratulated him.

A pensive Saturday morning audience at Les Murakami Stadium saw the Crusaders rally with two runs with two outs in the fifth inning to tie the game. Then, as they have in their last two games, Saint Louis scored its runs while there were two outs.

In the bottom of the seventh, Taylor Meilleur and Jordan Mopas singled, and after Jacob Gribbin was intentionally walked by ‘Iolani reliever Corey Nakakura, Kuhns went the other way with an 0-2 pitch. The wind helped push the ball toward the foul line as right fielder Caleb Duhay gave chase. The ball landed just a few feet within fair territory.

"I was just looking for a good pitch to hit. The first pitch, I got a changeup and I didn’t get a good swing on it. The next pitch was low and hit the ground. I didn’t do a good job of hitting," Kuhns said. "I just tried to get the bat off the ball. Fresh off the bat, I thought it was going to (Duhay), then I saw it tailing and I started running."

It was the second clutch base hit to right field in as many games for Kuhns. The junior socked a run-scoring triple in the win over Mid-Pacific.

The Crusaders’ patience and perseverance paid off as Gusman stuck by the book. Ace Jordan Yamamoto, who hurled Saint Louis to a win over MPI four days earlier, did not start. Instead, Pono Anderson took the mound and gave his team 41/3 solid innings. He permitted two runs on four hits, striking out two and walking one.

"I was hoping (Anderson) could give us four or five (innings). ‘Iolani hit some hard shots that the wind knocked down, fortunately," Gusman said.

Yamamoto moved from right field to the mound in the fifth inning. The Raiders were already ahead 2-0 when Yamamoto’s second pitch was grounded to second and mishandled. The throw by Tanner Atiburcio was off, allowing Max Look to stride into second base. Yamamoto, who threw 102 pitches in the MPI game, then walked Bronson Ichimura before getting Christian Donahue to pop up, ending the threat.

Raiders ace Joshua Inouye had a one-hitter entering the bottom of the fifth, but misfortune fell upon his defense. After walking pinch hitter Travis Tanaka, Inouye was removed from the game. Sophomore Ezra Heleski replaced Inouye and walked Rayson Romero to load the bases. Mopas then sent a soft liner to Donahue at short, but he dropped the ball, permitting Devan Stubblefield to score the Crusaders’ first run.

"Gosh. That was huge. What can you say? That’s like stealing runs right there," Gusman said. "It’s unfortunate. The young man is a great player. He probably just took his eye off it."

With the sacks still filled, the new pitcher, Ichimura, then plunked Gribbin in the back on a 3-1 pitch, forcing in Tanaka from third base to tie the game.

Yamamoto was comfortable and retired the side in the sixth and seventh, setting up Kuhns’ clutch hit. The senior right-hander went 22/3 innings, allowing no runs and no hits. He fanned two and walked one, throwing 32 pitches. In a five-day span, he threw 92/3 innings (29 outs) and 134 pitches. At Les Murakami Stadium

Two outs when the winning run scored.

Joshua Inouye, Ezra Heleski (5), Corey Nakakura (5) and Joshua Inaba. Pono Anderson, Jordan Yamamoto (5) and Taylor Meilleur. W—Yamamoto. L—Nakakura.

Leading hitters—’Iolani: Pikai Winchester 2-3, two runs. Saint Louis: Devan Stubblefield 2-2, run, walk, stolen base.

PUNAHOU 2, PAC-FIVE 1

The Buffanblu scratched for two runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to edge the Wolfpack.

At Les Murakami Stadium 

Bailey Lee, Marques Asato (5) and Ryllen Abeshima, Micah Lum (7). Bo Coolen, Cole Kanazawa (3), Josh Winkler (4), Noah Goss (5), Jacob Kam (6), Dylan Combs (7) and KJ Harrison.

W—Goss. L—Lee.

Leading hitters—P5: Owen Saito 1-3, RBI; Christian Jones 2-2, run; Pun: Aaron Fong 1-2, RBI; Josh Winkler 1-2, run; Easton Takamoto 1-2, RBI.

ILH DIVISION II BASEBALL

MARYKNOLL 13, DAMIEN 1

The Spartans pounded the Monarchs and Josh Muneno pitched a perfect three innings to earn the win.

At Les Murakami Stadium 

Tristan Florentin, Grayson Bueno (3), Zachary Navas (4) and Gavin Ariola. Josh Muneno, C. Uyema (4), Justin Ushio (5) and Neal Nakasone.

W—Florentin. L—Muneno.

Leading hitters—DMS: Kody Tamashiro RBI; Bueno 1-2, 2b, run. Mryk: Kahi Hirano 1-2, 2 runs; Michael Nishiki 2-3, 3 runs, 3 RBIs; Jedd Andrade 2-3, 3b, 2 runs, 3 RBIs; Justin Ushio 2-3, run, RBI; Muneno 2-3, RBI; Jason Nakamura 1-2, run, RBI; Nakasone 2-3, 2b, 3 RBIs.

OIA RED EAST BASEBALL

KAISER 14, NO. 7 KAILUA 4, 6 INNINGS

Michael Austin blasted a homer in the bottom of the sixth inning to lead the Cougars over the Surfriders.

At Kaiser 

Matthew Hanano, Kila Thomas (1), Royce Komesu (3), Kainoa Higa (4) and Dalton Kalama. Noah Sakatani, Kamalu Simeona (4) and Kelan Yoshioka.

W—Sakatani. L—Thomas.

Leading hitters—Kail: Awa Byers 2-3, HR, 2 RBIs, run; Dustin Imanaka 2-2, RBI, run. Kais: Michael Austin 2-4, HR, 3 RBIs, 3 runs; Aaron Oda 2-2, two 2bs, 3 RBIs, run; Simeona 2b, RBI, run.

KALANI 10, CASTLE 1

The Falcons pulled away with a six-run lead in the top of the third inning to beat the host Knights.

At Castle

Dallas Asuncion, Micah Kawano (3), Reece Kakugawa (5), Brandon Roberts (7) and Roberts, R. Shitanishi (3), Roberts (7), Shitanishi (7). Matthew Anderson-Lee, Stephen Lee (3) and Jordan Harvest.

W—Asuncion. L—Anderson-Lee.

Leading hitters—Kaln: Sean Romo 2-5, 2 runs; Roberts 2-3, 2 RBIs, run; Ian Higa 3-4, 2 runs; Asuncion 3b, RBI; Justin Ibara 3b, run.

OIA RED WEST BASEBALL

KAPOLEI 3, PEARL CITY 2

Brandon Ellis tripled in the top of the seventh inning, driving in two runs to help lift the Hurricanes past the Chargers.

At Hans L’Orange Park 

Aizon Kahana and Jace Barayuga. Dane Kaneshiro, Chevy Sumile (7) and Shaye Higa.

W—Kahana. L—Sumile.

Leading hitters—Kapo: Kahana 2-3; Brandon Ellis 2-3, 3b, run. PC: Davin Kapuras 2-3; Higa 2-3, 3b; Tanner Tokunaga 3b, run.

MILILANI 10, AIEA 1

Adam Connell went 2-for-3 with a homer and five RBIs to lead the Trojans over Na Alii.

At Hans L’Orange Park 

Cole Nakachi, Koa Eastlack (6) and not reported. Jaryn Nakamoto, Jacob Alcantra (1), Jansen Kudaishi (6), Austin Yoshino (7) and not reported.

W—Nakachi. L—Nakamoto.

Leading hitters—Mil: Sean Sonognini 3-4, 2b; Ty Desa 1-2, 2b, 3 runs, 2 RBIs; Justice Nakagawa 3-4, run, 2 RBIs; Adam Connell 2-3, HR, run, 5 RBIs; Blaine Demello 3 runs; Kellen Otsu, 2 RBIs; Aiea: Liwai Manoa 2-3, run.

Also

BIIF
Keaau 6, Kealakehe 4
Kamehameha- Hawaii 12, Hawaii Prep 2

MIL
Maui 3 Lahainaluna 1
Baldwin 13, Kamehameha-Maui 1

OIA RED EAST SOFTBALL

KAISER 5, CASTLE 0

Seli Aholelei struck out eight batters as the Cougars shut out the Knights.

At Castle 

Seli Aholelei and Tiana Ching-Lake. Asia Igafo, Brandee Lane (4) and Ariel Hendricks.

W—Aholelei. L—Igafo.

Leading hitters—Kais: Kai Hasegawa 2b, RBI; Bailey Gongob 2-3, 3b, 2 RBIs; Chelsea Soong 2-3. Cast: Paige Matsuki 2-3, 3b.

KAILUA 13, KAHUKU 8

Delcie Williams led off the bottom of the fifth with a double to right-center field and Leilani Lastimosa followed with a double of her own to drive Williams in, triggering an eight-run flurry that helped the Surfriders subdue the Red Raiders.

At Kailua 

K. Kaowili, A. Aipia (5) and J. Alo. Shaelyn Kumai-Farrell, Delcie Williams (5) and Leilani Lastimosa.

W—Williams. L—Aipia.

Leading hitters—Kah: Alo 3-3, 2 RBIs; Kawili 2-3, 2b, 2 RBIs; Aipia 2-4. Kail: Williams 2-4, 2b, 3b, RBI; Lastimosa 2-4, 2b, 3 RBIs; Skyler Nojima 2-3, 3 RBIs; Gigi Murray 2-2, 2 RBIs.

ROOSEVELT 11, KAIMUKI 1, 5 INNINGS

The Rough Riders thumped the Bulldogs with 10 hits and no errors.

Tyra Wallrabenstein led Roosevelt’s offense with three hits.

At Roosevelt

Seplynn Aikaii and Aliyah Aiono. Katie Debusca and Destiny Holani.

W—Debusca. L—Aikaii.

Leading hitters—Roos: Tyra Wallrabenstein 3-4; DeBusca HR, 2 RBIs; McKenna Nishimoto 2-3.

OIA RED WEST SOFTBALL

NO. 5 MILILANI 9, PEARL CITY 3, 8 INNINGS

Aubree Kim struck out 14 as the Trojans outlasted the Chargers in eight innings.

At Pearl City 

Aubree Kim and Markie Okamoto. Tyanna Kaaialii and Robi Kami.

W—Kim. L—Kaaialii.

Leading hitters—Mil: Jade Yadao-Valdez 2-4, run; Kristen Ishii 3-4, HR, 3 RBIs, 2 runs; Tori-Anne Baysa 2-4, 2 RBIs, run. PC: Kami 2-5, 2 RBIs.

NO. 8 CAMPBELL 12, KAPOLEI 0, 6 INNINGS

Kawehi Kahana had three hits, including a triple, as the Sabers shut out the Hurricanes in six innings.

At Kapolei

Elisa Favela and Kyra Hoohuli. Laugatasuala Pedebone, Sadie Kapaku-You (5) and Alecia Kupihea.

W—Favela. L—Kapaku-You.

Leading hitters—Camp: Kawehi Kahana 3-4, 3b, run, 4 RBIs.

OIA WHITE SOFTBALL

KALANI 13, RADFORD 3, 5 INNINGS

The Falcons trailed by two runs, but racked up 12 in the fourth inning to defeat the Rams.

Kalani’s Ashlyn Toyama pitched the win.

At Radford 

Ashlyn Toyama and Nicole Omai. Iliana Lee and Suzzana Saelua.

W—Toyama. L—Lee.

Leading hitters—Kaln: Tori Chinen 2-3; Melanie Shiraki 2-2, 2b, 2 RBIs; Jayna Wakatake 3b, 2 RBIs; Jacianne Furuya 3b.

NANAKULI 12, MCKINLEY 0, 5 INNINGS

Chyanne Koko struck out eight batters and allowed only two hits as the Golden Hawks routed the Tigers.

At Nanakuli

Jillian Cristobal and Rachel Amor. Chyanne Koko and Kaia Burnett.

W—Koko. L—Cristobal.

Leading hitters—McK: Cristobal 2b. Nan: Alexis Meyers 2-3, 2b, 3b, 3 RBIs; Precious Meyers 2b, HR, 4 RBIs; Koko 2b; Emma Kawaiaea 2-3.

AIEA 16, FARRINGTON 0, 5 INNINGS

Kayla Higuchi and Raisa Strom-Okimoto combined to pitch a one-hitter as Na Alii defeated the Governors in five innings.

At Aiea 

Precious Peters, Racquel Misioka (3) and Misioka, Tanisha Taulai (3). Kayla Higuchi, Raisa Strom-Okimoto (4) and Kailie Alama.

W—Higuchi. L—Peters.

Leading hitters—Aiea: Strom-Okimoto 3b; Alama HR.

WAIALUA 13, KALAHEO 10

Shawn Kauwalu and Amber Alejandro hit back-to-back doubles to highlight a seven-run outburst in the bottom of the third inning, but the Bulldogs had to rally to hold off the Mustangs.

At Waialua

Jacqui Howard, Tiffani Beach (4), M. Sasaki (5), Howard (6) and H. Spencer. Keahi Pang, Shawn Kauwalu (6) and Jeania Deuz.

W—Pang. L—Sasaki.

Leading hitters—Kalh: H. Spencer 2-5, run, RBI; T. Meredith 2-3, 3 runs; Beach 2-4, run. Wail: Kowolu 2-4, 2b, run, 4 RBIs; Selena Victoria 2-3, 3 runs, RBI; Alaina Bayudan 2-4, run, RBI; Shaylee Souza 2-3, run; Pang 3b, 2 runs, 2 RBIs; Amber Alejandro 2b, run, RBI.