Pearl City Little League Dominates West Regional and Aims for World Series Victory
Pearl City Little League, representing the West Region, emerged victorious from the scorching heat of Nogales, Arizona, clinching the championship title in the Little League Intermediate West Regional for ages 13-14. Buoyed by their success, Pearl City sets its sights on the ultimate goal of triumphing at the World Series, commencing today in Livermore, California.
Despite enduring the challenging conditions, Pearl City showcased an unwavering determination, winning the regional semifinal and championship games in Nogales on Thursday. The quick turnaround between tournaments provided only two off days for the team, limiting their pitching options due to Little League’s pitch-limit rules. Consequently, Tytan Takahashi will be the sole ace eligible to take the mound in the opening game against Gonzales, Louisiana, scheduled for 3 p.m. at Livermore. Ryley Omine and Boston Schwager, two key pitchers for Pearl City, will be ineligible for the opener.
Pearl City manager Ty Takahashi, who is also Tytan’s father, acknowledges the challenges they face but remains positive, stating, It’s not ideal, but we have to make do and figure it out and see what we have. Everything has been tough. We’re lucky to get by, and we’re going to keep battling.
Tytan Takahashi, known for his hard-throwing ability with a mid-70s fastball, has been a standout performer for Pearl City, leading the team with 15 hits throughout district, state, and regional play. Schwager and Omine, with fastball speeds around 71-72, have also contributed significantly to the team’s success.
In the batting lineup, Tytan Takahashi occupies the second spot, with Kelton Onomura following closely behind. Onomura proved his power at the regional level by hitting three home runs. Ty Takahashi emphasizes the need for Onomura to maintain composure and says, Kelton is the guy with the most home runs on the team, but at the same time, he’s a big swinger. I tell him to stay within himself. He’s very aggressive.
Pearl City showcased exceptional dominance throughout the West Regional, finishing with a flawless 7-0 record while outscoring opponents 85-18. However, battling extreme temperatures in Nogales, defensive teams were allowed water breaks during lengthy innings. Unforeseen rainstorms also disrupted the tournament schedule, resulting in the semifinal being pushed back to the same day as the final.
Despite facing adversity, Pearl City exhibited grit and determination in the semifinal against Douglas, Arizona, securing a 10-3 victory after scoring five runs in the first inning. Although Douglas mounted a comeback in the fourth inning, narrowing the deficit to 6-3, Pearl City remained composed and added crucial runs in the fifth and seventh innings to seal the win.
The final against Encinitas, California, posed a greater challenge as Pearl City found themselves trailing early. However, a remarkable comeback in the fourth inning, highlighted by three runs due to an error by the Encinitas left fielder, propelled Pearl City to a 9-6 triumph. Onomura’s three-run homer in the sixth inning further solidified their victory.
Reflecting on his team’s performances, Ty Takahashi expressed immense pride, emphasizing the camaraderie and resilience displayed by the players. Amidst the sweltering heat and demanding circumstances, Pearl City’s triumph stands as a testament to their dedication and unity.
Following their remarkable achievement, the 12 players and three coaches were honored with a celebratory parade. Led by a fire truck with blaring sirens, the team joyously rode in the back of a pickup truck, proudly displaying the Hawaii state flag.
Pearl City’s journey continues as they enter the highly-anticipated World Series in Livermore. The team’s unwavering spirit and exceptional talent will undoubtedly fuel their pursuit of victory. As they face elite competition from across the nation, Pearl City’s Little League stars aim to etch their names in history with an unforgettable World Series triumph.
Ty Takahashi, Chad Furutani, and Preston Onomura serve as coaches for the determined Pearl City team, which comprises Noah Balderas, Logan Calleon, Lennon Fujimori, Cade Funai, Luke Furutani, Justin-Raine Kamana’o-Bulosan, Ryley Omine, Kelton Onomura, Noah Propios, Boston Schwager, Tytan Takahashi, and Curren Todoroki.
As Pearl City ventures into the World Series, their resilience, skill, and indomitable spirit will undoubtedly captivate baseball enthusiasts and fans alike. With their eyes on the ultimate prize, Pearl City’s Little League team hopes to cement their place in the annals of baseball history.
