By Kristi McDevitt
Sports Correspondent
The Oxford Varsity baseball team split their first league match when they hosted the Holly Bronchos last Monday. Going into the fifth inning, Oxford was down 3-7 but didn’t give up. Their defense held Holly scoreless in the 6th & 7th innings while Oxford’s offense produced a run a piece in the last two innings. Oxford ran out of innings, and lost the game 5-7. Kyle Oliver was on the mound for the Wildcats. He had 3 strikeouts and 6 walks.
In the second game of the night, Oxford’s defense held strong behind Sophomore Jeremy Bukoski’s pitching and held the Bronchos scoreless the entire game. With Oxford’s defense holding Holly at bay, the Wildcat’s offense stepped up to the plate scoring a total of eight runs to win the game 8-0. Mike Simpson, Tim Shafto, and Brett Brammer each had two hits. Pitcher Bukoski was awarded the win in the nightcap, with only one walk and seven strikeouts. Oxford’s record is 3-2 overall, 1-1 in the FML.
In the first of two road trips, Rochester Adams hosted Oxford last Wednesday. Oxford was defeated 5-10. Junior Tim Shafto was on the mound and tallied three strikeouts. Wildcat Chris Harper was the leading hitter going 1 for 3 with 2 runs scored. The loss dropped Oxford to 3-3 overall heading into Thursday’s game against Grand Blanc.
At Grand Blanc, senior pitcher Brett Brammer went the distance allowing only four hits, and striking out seven hitters in the first game. Brammer was awarded the win as Oxford defeated Grand Blanc 8-2. Junior Brad Dugan went 4 for 4 batting with 2 RBI’s. Senior David Fischer and Sophomore Vinnie Ives each had two hits. In the nightcap, Oxford’s winning momentum couldn’t hold on, and the Wildcats were defeated 2-10. Oxford is 4-4 overall. ‘Each game we are getting better and learning to compete on each and every pitch,? Head coach Kurt Nuss said. ‘We now need to gain consistency.? Coach Nuss has been impressed with his younger players performances on the field. ‘Our young guys are really starting to step it up and produce in clutch situations.?
Oxford travels to Flint Kearsley on April 21.