Little League diary

Timo Donahue, coach of the Waipi'o baseball team in the 11- to 12-year-old Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., will provide insights from youth baseball's oldest and most prestigious tournament. Waipi'o is the 10th Hawai'i team to compete in the World Series, which started in 1947. The last team, West O'ahu, in 2005, is the only team to win the title.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — We gave more kids the opportunity to play today. Got to pitch guys who don't pitch. That makes us feel good.

To get the other kids a little more playing time, on top of the win (6-4 over Rapid City, S.D., on Keelen Obedoza's two-run homer), that would be the highlight.

(Because of a late game Sunday) we let them sleep in, had batting practice, then lunch.

I think this is the second time we did that (missed breakfast). Keep them hungry I guess.

Some of these guys can eat. Seems like all we're doing is eating.

First thing, we had batting practice, then we ate lunch. (Pizza). Then we played the game, then we ate.

Dinner was really good.

Hot roast beef sandwiches with mash and gravy. It was great. That's what I order at Zippy's anyway.

They're (kids) still relaxed. Nothing fazes them. Not sure how they're going to be on Wednesday (semifinals). They're really relaxed. We were down 3-1, the mood was how it's been since the state tournament. No one was pressing.

Remember how we were talking if we all started hitting (it would be a sight)? He (Keelen Obedoza) was the one, if he hits, it'll be anywhere from a single to a home run with the odds most likely (it's) gonna be a homer. Really happy he broke out of it. That's his first hit (of the Series). Today, anyway, he's a happy camper.

INJURY REPORT

(Iolana Akau): Better today and Wednesday could be possibility you might see him.

(Khade Paris): He's tender still. So he won't be throwing for sure on Wednesday.