Game 3
West  3 vs. New England 1

Friday, August 15, 2008
6:00PM ET

By Erin Kriner

Game 3 of the Little League World Series started quickly as the team from Waipio, Hawaii got three quick outs in a three up, three down inning. After the quick defensive start, the team was able to fine some offensive momentum as Tanner Tokunaga led off with a single and was brought in by a wild pitch with the bases loaded to give Hawaii a 1-0 lead.

Just as Hawaii got its momentum however, New England fired back. Starting pitcher Eddie Kochiss made contact and sent a homerun into the crowd to tie the game at 1-1.

The 4th inning highlighted a great performance by the Hawaii pitchers. Pitcher Caleb Duhay walked one batter and struck out three to end the top of the inning. Combined, the Hawaii pitchers only allowed two hits for the night.

To follow, Hawaii's Christian Donahue led off with a single and was able to advance to third base because of a passed ball and a stolen base. He later reached home to make it 2-1 in their favor on a third strike wild pitch thrown to Tanner Tokunaga.

In the top of the fifth the rains came and a 1hr. and 25 min. rain delay followed. As the groundscrew worked to get the field ready for play the teams waited to see what the outcome would be.

With one runner on base and two outs New England hitter, Matt Batten struck out and moved the game into the 6th inning. Not letting the delay bring them down, Hawaii hitter Pikai Winchester stepped up to the plate after the long delay and hammered a home run to lead off the inning and give Hawaii the insurance run to go up 3-1.

"Considering the close game and the rain delay, one extra home run gave our pitcher a little room to breath," according to Hawaii manager Timo Donahue.

New England was not able to score in their last at bat giving Hawaii the win.

Hawaii's will meet the other winner of today the Southeast team from Tampa, Flordia on Sunday August 17th at 8:00 p.m. New England with take on the Midwest team tomorrow the 16th at 3:30 p.m.