Two games, two different results.
This past week Oakdale (12-10, 7-3) played a home and away series with the Sierra Timberwolves (11-8, 6-3). On Tuesday, April 24 the varsity baseball Mustangs hosted Sierra and served up an 8-2 win. However two days later the Mustangs fell to the Wolves 10-2.
In the home win Oakdale gave up one run in the top of the first but answered with a three-run bottom of the first and scored four more in the fourth to pull away. Third baseman Dylan Wright brought in three RBI to lead the team, including hitting his second home run of the season. On the season Wright is batting .362 and has 23 RBI. Dane Gibson, Max Moore, Jacob Solorio, Hunter Ginger and Alex Daoud all added one RBI each. Starting pitcher Josh Garcia picked up his fifth win of the season as he pitched six innings for Oakdale. Garcia gave up six hits, walked two and struck out four.
“We played a very competitive game with great focus and determination. It was a quality team win,” said head coach Chris Henry.
Thursday, on the other hand, was a much different outcome. The Mustangs committed seven errors and fell behind 8-0 to the Timberwolves. Oakdale scored two runs in the fourth but only managed to get six hits in the loss. In the fourth inning Solorio connected on a two run home run.
“Thursday was embarrassing. Seven errors, zero mental toughness,” said a disappointed Henry. “The lack of leadership and focus created an uncharacteristic Mustang baseball team.”
The Mustangs are currently in second place in the Valley Oak League and have two series left in the season. Oakdale will take on Central Catholic (10-10, 4-5) in a two game series that began on Tuesday, May 1 following The Leader’s press time. Game two will be played at Central Catholic on Thursday, May 3 with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m.
JUNIOR VARSITY
Like the varsity team, Oakdale’s JV boys split their two game series with Sierra. On Tuesday, April 24 Oakdale defeated Sierra 3-1 at home. Brett Maddock had two of the team’s four hits and Dominic McDonald had two RBI for the Mustangs. The JV boys were patient at the plate and were rewarded with five walks. Maddock pitched a complete game giving up just three hits and striking out six. On Thursday the boys were shut out for the first time this season. Oakdale is now 8-2 in Valley Oak League play and look to bounce back against Central Catholic. They hosted Central on Tuesday, May 1 and travel to take on the Raiders on Thursday, May 3.
FRESHMEN
Friday evening the boys took the field to take on East Union. Oakdale fell to the visitors 3-2 in a hard fought battle. Pitcher Owen Pena pitched six and one-third innings for the Mustangs. At the plate Brody Ferreira, Gannon Davis, Donovan Walker and Josh Dutra each had a hit. This was the only game the young baseball players had during the week. On Wednesday, May 2 the team will host Downey in non-league play and will host Sierra on Friday, May 4. Both games are scheduled for 4 p.m.
