The Oakdale Mustangs varsity baseball team scored four runs in the seventh inning to overcome East Union 8-5 on the road. The dramatic come from behind win was the team’s Valley Oak League season opener as well as their only game of the week.

It was a seesaw battle between the two squads that saw the Mustangs lead by as many as three and then trail by one late in the game.

“The boys grinded through seven innings to win that game,” said first year varsity coach Chris Henry.

The Mustangs had 10 hits in the game, coming from eight different players. Hunter Ginger and Max Moore each had two hits in the win. Jake Elting posted two RBI for Oakdale. Austin Meeks led the team with three RBI and went 1-for-3 in the game. Alex Daoud, Hayden Knittel and Dylan Wright each added an RBI. Shawn Merriam got the win for the Mustangs on the mound. Josh Garcia pitched four innings for Oakdale and struck out nine batters giving up three hits and no earned runs.

“I’m very proud of the way they played tonight. I’m proud of their mental toughness and encouraged to see so many guys stepping up in clutch situations,” said Henry.

This week Oakdale will take on Weston Ranch in a home-and home series. The Mustangs host the Cougars in their home opener on Friday, March 30 with first pitch scheduled for 4 p.m.

JUNIOR VARSITY

Oakdale defeated East Union 10-6 on the road in their season opener. Evan Waite swung a heavy bat and brought in three runs on the day. Seth Presant brought in two runs and Garrett Lee, Carson Cripe, Gage Brink, Dom Antinetti and Brett Maddock each had an RBI. Diego Valdez started the game and earned the win after pitching four innings.

FRESHMEN

The freshman boys defeated East Union 12-8 in their lone game of the week. No stats were provided for the contest prior to The Leader’s deadline.