Oxford began last week’s schedule tied for first place in the Flint Metro along with the Lapeer West Panthers.
Oxford and West only have two losses in the league, one of which accounts for the Oxford/West match-up earlier this season when the two split the wins in their doubleheader in league play.
Last Monday’s match-up against Linden was a tense one for the Wildcats, knowing that a loss could put them out of first place contention. With a solid contribution from the Wildcat’s pitcher, and a solid defense to back them up, Oxford defeated Linden in both games. In the first game, sophomore Jeremy Bukoski pitched seven scoreless innings, allowed only one hit, and had 10 strikeouts on the mound. Wildcat seniors Joel Grifka and Jim Carrier each had two RBI’s in Oxford’s 7-0 victory. In the second game, junior Tim Shafto took to the mound and delivered a solid performance, striking out eight Linden batters in the process. Offensively, senior Brad Dugan and Bukoski each had three hits for the Wildcats to pull out the 5-2 win over the Eagles. ‘Our seniors have really stepped it up, and the younger guys are playing loose and like veterans,? head coach Kurt Nuss said. The sweep puts Oxford at 8-2 in the FML and 14-10 overall.
This week rounds out Flint Metro League play with Oxford heading to MHSAA Districts. Oxford drew a bye in the first round and is set to play Rochester Stoney Creek at 2:30pm on Friday, June 3rd at Romeo High.