Donahue, Waipio vanquish Arizona

Christian "C-boy" Donahue practically willed Waipio Little League of Hawaii to a 5-1 West Region victory against Arrowhead Little League of Glendale, Ariz.

Donahue came up with the bases loaded and two out in the fourth inning against Arizona reliever Tyler Campman. Donahue, the son of Waipio manager Timo Donahue, has been a difficult out for pitchers throughout this young tournament.

Donahue pounded a grounder toward second that was misplayed for a bases-clearing error. Hustling, Donahue came all the way around to score on an errant throw from the outfield.

"I was just trying to get a base hit," Donahue said. "I wanted to get at least one run home. Then I saw the ball go off (the second baseman's glove) and go to the fence."

Just like that, a riveting tie game was transformed into a four-run Hawaii advantage.

Donahue also had a hand in Waipio's first run, leading off the bottom of the first inning with a single to left field. He later scored on pitcher Caleb Duhay's double.

In the fifth inning, Donahue made a sparkling play, ranging to his right to field a ball off the bat of Harris Lyons and firing a strong throw to first base to nail Lyons.

"The ball was hit to my right and I didn't think I could get it, but I did and then I just threw it as hard as I could to first," Donahue said.

In the sixth, second baseman Tanner Tokunaga and Donahue combined for a 4-6-3 double play to end the game.

"The first game we made a few errors and that was unlike us," manager Donahue said. "Tonight we played defense the way we're capable of playing."

In the fourth inning, Hawaii first baseman Khade Paris made a smart play, charging an Arizona runner (Degan Harte), who was hung up between third base and home. Paris threw Harte out at third base for an extremely well-executed play by the Waipio squad.

Arizona's only run off Duhay came on a solo homer in the third by Lyons.

Duhay was tremendous for Hawaii in a complete-game victory. He allowed four hits, struck out eight and walked one. He also had one of Waipio's three hits, with Donahue and Keelen Obedoza managing the others.

"We're fortunate to have two pitchers (Paris and Duhay) that we can call No. 1 and No. 1-A or No. 1 and No. 2," manager Donahue said. "In a tournament like this it helps to have such tremendous depth on the mound."

Marcus Medina, Marco Burgarello, Owen Sanborn and Lyons all had one hit for Arizona (0-2).

Hawaii (2-0) meets Utah today at 4:30 p.m. in another West Region game. Nevada (2-0) is the only other unbeaten West Region team.