HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i right-handed pitcher Blaze Koali'i Pontes was drafted in the 16th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.
 
Pontes, who completed his fourth season with the Rainbow Warriors and has one more season of eligibility left, was taken 484th overall and became the second Rainbow Warrior drafted in the 2022 MLB Draft (Cade Halemanu, Tampa Bay Rays, 10th Rd.).

Pontes posted a 2.94 ERA in 2022 with a 5-1 record. The right-hander recorded the most strikeouts on the team (88), striking out a season-high 12 batters at UC Davis (4/30).
 

2022 was all about making a statement, and Blaze Koali'i Pontes did his part while the @Athletics took notice! #GoBows pic.twitter.com/ibhv20eo2O

— Hawaii Baseball (@HawaiiBaseball) July 19, 2022

The O'ahu native started the season in a relief role before becoming the undisputed Friday night starter for the 'Bows. Pontes was named an All-Big West First Team Starter for his 4-1 record and 1.90 ERA in conference play.
 
Pontes set career-highs in innings pitched (7.0) and strikeouts a career-high 12 batter at UC Davis.

The righty struck out eight-plus in four separate starts.


 

Year	ERA	Record	APP/GS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO
2019	4.60	3-3	14/7	45.0	54	31	23	10	35
2020	5.68	1-0	4/0	6.1	9	4	4	0	3
2021	4.06	3-3	12/4	37.2	52	19	17	7	36
2022	2.94	5-1	20/7	70.1	68	29	23	26	88
Career	3.78	12-7	50/18	159.1	183	83	67	43	162