Versatility is a very valued trait in the world of Mid-Pacific baseball.

Chase Wago has been finding himself in that new orbit as a hitter, and now he’s got closer on his resume, too. Wago socked a run-scoring double and finished the final three innings in relief of starter Grant Doi as No. 3 Mid-Pacific stifled No. 4 Saint Louis 4-1 on Monday at Damon Field.

"It’s a different mind-set," Wago said of his dual roles on the mound as a starter and reliever. "I was batting before, so I had to change everything and think about their hitters."

MPI coach Dunn Muramaru is in uncharted waters with Wago, now a junior. The approach is optimistic, but tempered with caution.

"We’ve changed Wago’s role a little because he hits so well, but he’s not a real big guy," Muramaru said.

MPI improved to 3-1 in the gauntlet known as the ILH. Saint Louis dropped to 2-2 in league play.

Doi went four innings, allowing one run on three hits while fanning three and walking two for the win.

"I was kind of nervous in the beginning. I haven’t thrown since (American) Legion," Doi said of the fall league.

Doi, younger brother of UH player Marcus Doi, didn’t get any easy innings against the defending state champions, but he consistently trusted his infield. The left side, manned by third baseman Trevin Tengan and shortstop Tyler Yamaguchi, was flawless and covered plenty of ground on every kind of ground ball.

"Everything was working, especially my fastball and slider," Doi said. "Our coaches said to throw strikes and let our defense work. Saint Louis can hit."

It was his ability to change speeds that made a difference, particularly with his slider and cutter.

"We didn’t make the adjustments we needed to make. For five weeks, we worked on recognizing off-speed pitches," Crusaders coach George Gusman said. "We’re still in transition and trying to get better. Mid-Pacific is not beating themselves."

He got a hearty effort from sophomore Dawson Yamaguchi, a hard-throwing southpaw.

"He hasn’t pitched in a while, but he finished strong, and (Sean) Abreu gave us a chance. He shut ’em out in the sixth. Abreu is fearless," Gusman said.

The visiting Crusaders had a runner in scoring position in each of the first two innings but came up empty.

MPI, meanwhile, got a run in the first and two more in the second. Alexander Oley singled and scored on a shot hit just inside of third base by Yamaguchi for a double.

In the bottom of the second, MPI got a gift from Dawson Yamaguchi, who gave up a single to Ryne Yamashiro, then hit Tengan on a bunt attempt. After Yamashiro reached third base on a passed ball, he raced home after Yamaguchi threw a wild pitch.

Pinch hitter Davin Takanishi followed with a single to left, scoring Tengan for a 3-0 Owls lead.

After Doi departed following the fourth frame, Wago entered and allowed no runs on two hits. The left-hander struck out two and walked one.

"This league is so tough. We lost to Kamehameha (last Thursday) on a three-run homer. One mistake. That’s how the league is," Muramaru said. "You can be on top one day, and then you aren’t."

MPI and Kamehameha are the only teams with just one loss. Only two of the five D-I programs — all are ranked in the Top 10 — will qualify for the state tournament.

At Damon Field

Dawson Yamaguchi, Sean Abreu (6) and Taylor Meilleur. Grant Doi, Chase Wago (5) and Noah Shackles. W—Doi. L—Yamaguchi. Sv—Wago.

Leading hitters—STL: Meilleur 1-2, RBI, walk; Mana Manago 1-3 double, run. MPI: Shackles 2-3, run; Tyler Yamaguchi 1-3, double, RBI; Wago 1-3, double, RBI.

ILH SOFTBALL

No. 6 Maryknoll 18, No. 5 Mid-Pacific 2, 5 inn.

Kasey Magdabaro hit two homers and drove in eight runs to lead the Spartans over the Owls.

Shearyna Labasan and Nohea Hee. K. Akimseu and n/a.

W—Labasan. L—Akimseu.

Leading hitters—Maryknoll: Kasey Magdabaro 3-3, two HRs, 8 RBIs; Labasan 2-5, RBI; Mylee Enos 2-3, 2b, 3 RBIs; Kamalei Labasan 2-3, 3 RBIs; Tamia Hirano 2-5. Mid-Pacific: Akimseu 2b.

OIA WHITE SOFTBALL

Kalaheo 20, Anuenue 2, 5 inn.

Kalaheo 12, Anuenue 1, 5 inn.

Pitcher Jackie Howard threw two complete games as the Mustangs swept a doubleheader from Na Koa.

Jackie Howard and Moana Hillen. K. Silva and N. Pene.

W—Howard. L—Silva.

Leading hitters—Kalaheo: Hillen 3-3, 2 RBIs, two 2bs; Autumn Grant 2b, 3 RBIs; Tiana Perry 2 RBIs; Shandie Delin 2b. Anuenue: Silva 3b; N. Cariaso 2b.

N. Cariaso and K Silva. Jackie Howard and Moana Hillen.

W—Howard. L—Cariaso.

Leading hitters—Anuenue: Cariaso RBI. Kalaheo: Michelle Sasaki 2-2, Howard 2 RBIs; Hillen 3-3, two 2bs; Hope Spencer 2b, 3b, 2 RBIs; Shandie Delin 2b; Sharea Randles 2b, 2 RBIs.