Sports Correspondent Kristi McDevitt
The Wildcat sluggers faced off with Lapeer West, ranked #1 in Division II April 2.
In the first game, Oxford held their own against the Panthers, but two unfortunate errors in the sixth inning by Wildcat’s defense afforded West two unearned runs.
Sophomore Jeremy Bukoski did his part on the mound, throwing a great game and only allowing four hits. Oxford’s offense created many opportunities to score, but didn’t take advantage as they were defeated 5-2. Senior Jim Carrier had two hits and scored both of Oxford’s runs.
In the nightcap, Oxford was out to avenge their mistakes made in the opener, and West couldn’t escape the Wildcat’s threat. Oxford again created the opportunities to score and this time the Wildcats converted. Junior Tim Shafto started on the mound for the Wildcats and threw a solid game, only allowing four hits in his five innings. At the end of regulation, the game was tied 3-3.
Senior reliever Brett Brammer was on the mound and threw a perfect inning at the top of the eighth, retiring the Panthers without a hit. In the bottom of the inning, sophomore Brandon Dugan hit a single to start the inning.
Junior Chris Harper’s sacrifice hit advanced Dugan to second base, but it was Harper’s hustle that beat out the West throw to first. At the plate, Bukoski bunted and advanced the Oxford runners to third and second base, as he was thrown out at first.
With one out, and senior David Fischer at bat, the West defense opted to intentionally walk Fischer to load the bases.
Oxford batter Jim Carrier bounced to the short stop and it was Dugan who beat the throw home for the game winning score. Oxford defeated the Panthers 4-3.
Last Thursday the Wildcats traveled to Ortonville to take on the Brandon BlackHawks in league action. Oxford defeated the BlackHawks in both games.
In the opener Tim Shafto was on the mound and was awarded the win in the 10-8 victory.
Offensively, senior Joel Grifka went 3 for 3 with two doubles and four RBI’s, and senior Brad Dugan was 2 for 3 with three RBI’s.
In the nightcap, Jeremy Bukoski threw a complete game shutout, allowing only two hits and striking out five.
Sophmore Vinnie Ives and junior Mike Simpson went 3 for 3, and Simpson drove in three runs in the game. Brandon Dugan had two hits and two RBI’s, and Jim Carrier also added two hits for the Wildcats. Oxford improves their record to 4-2 in the Metro League and 9-9 overall.