Oakdale High School’s varsity baseball team took on Manteca this past week, and the two teams each walked away with a home win.
On Tuesday, May 18 Oakdale hosted Manteca in the series opener. It was Senior Day for a half dozen Mustang players. Dominic Antinetti, Joey Janssen, Noah Chelberg, Cade Evans, Trevor Diaz and Carson Cripe were all celebrated for their time dedicated to the baseball program. Oakdale did not disappoint the crowd on hand or the seniors as they blanked the Buffaloes 11-0 in five innings.
The Mustang bats erupted for six runs in the bottom of the first inning and tacked on runs in the second and third to put away Manteca early. The Mustangs had 13 hits in the win including three each from Antinetti and Janssen. Antinetti went 3-for-3 with four RBI and Janssen went 3-for-3 with three RBI. Antinetti had a double and a triple. Cripe also had a big day at the plate as he drove in a pair of runs. Junior Nathan Criswell drove in a pair of runs as well. Chelberg pitched all five innings, only allowing a pair of hits. He struck out 11 batters and walked four.
However, two days later Manteca earned a 7-6 win over the Mustangs. This time, the host Buffaloes jumped out to a 4-0 lead but the Mustangs cut that lead in half when they scored two runs in the top of the third inning. The Mustangs took a 6-4 lead in the sixth inning. Their lead would be brief as the Buffaloes scored three runs in the bottom of the sixth in the back and forth contest. Landon Nunes went 2-for-4 with three RBI for Oakdale. Preston Vieira drove in a pair of runs for the Mustangs. Criswell pitched five and two-thirds innings giving up six hits, three earned runs and walked two. Lukas Cox also took the mound giving up a pair of earned runs and walked two. Andrew Sapwell stuck out the lone batter he faced.
Oakdale wraps up the season against Central Catholic this week. Game one was held Monday, May 24 in Modesto following The Leader’s press time. Game two is scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 at Oakdale with the first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m.
