By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Varsity Baseball Boys Sweep Past Central Catholic
wright
Third baseman Dylan Wright got his glove down in time to tag out the Central Catholic runner. DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

The Oakdale High School varsity baseball team earned a pair of wins over Central Catholic this past week as they defeated the Raiders 6-4 and then 3-1 to improve to 14-10, 9-3 on the season.

On Tuesday, May 1 Oakdale hosted the Raiders (10-13, 4-8) and scored four runs in the third inning to help power them to victory. Senior Dane Gibson led the way with three RBI and Corey Hinojosa added two RBI. Oakdale had nine hits in the game but it was the pitching of Oakdale that helped secure the win.

Josh Garcia pitched four and two-thirds innings, striking out five Raider batters and senior Shawn Merriam closed the game out. With bases loaded and one out, former Oakdale player Miguel Olivo Jr. stepped into the batter’s box. Olivo hit a line drive back to Merriam who caught the ball and then threw the ball to second baseman Jake Elting for the final out.

Two days later Oakdale earned the season sweep of Central Catholic behind two RBI by shortstop Alex Daoud. The Mustangs scored two runs in the top of the sixth to break a tie and get the road win. Senior Dylan Wright connected on a solo home run. On the mound Hayden Knittel pitched five innings, giving up two hits.

“Knittel did and awesome job and I feel our defense feeds off of that,” said head coach Chris Henry. “I am extremely proud of how our young men have been preparing themselves. Their determination has allowed for them to fight through games. This week was a great response to the things we have been working hard on in practice.”

Currently in second place in the Valley Oak League standings, Oakdale has one final series left in the 2018 regular season. They wrap up the VOL season with a two game series with the Kimball Jaguars (15-10, 8-4). The two played at Kimball on Monday, May 7 following The Leader’s press time. The season finale is scheduled for Wednesday, May 9 at Oakdale High School for Senior Day 2018.

 

JUNIOR VARSITY

A rough series with the Raiders saw Oakdale dropping two games. The JV boys lost to the Raiders 6-4 at home and then fell to Central Catholic 8-2 on the road.

 

FRESHMEN

Josh Dutra connected on a two-run RBI double for a 6-4 walk off win for the young Mustangs against Sierra on Friday night, May 4. With the win Oakdale improved to 5-4 in league play.