Oakwood Rallies to Overcome Early Lead Slip, Secures 12-10 Victory Over Paris in Nail-Biter

By Fred Kroner

In a bizarre game on Wednesday (April 24), Oakwood’s baseball team scored nine runs in the first inning, but then had to rally from a 10-9 deficit in the sixth inning to secure a 12-10 triumph at home over Paris.

Jackson Dudley pitched two innings of hitless relief and captured the win. Dustin Hughes worked the first five innings and recorded one strikeout.

Offensively, Cort Vermillion led the way with two hits and three RBI. Derek Drews, Bryson Marcinko and Alec Harrison had two RBI apiece. Chase Harrison, Carsen Dudley and Brody Taflinger both knocked in one run.

Drews, Taflinger and Vermillion all tallied two runs. Scoring one run apiece were Jackson Dudley, Chase Harrison, Marcinko, Carsen Dudley, Alex Harrison and Alex Wallace.

Drews, Taflinger, Marcinko and Alex Harrison all finished with one hit.

On Monday (April 22), Jackson Dudley belted four hits and Chase Harrison drove in four runs – two on sacrifice flies – as Oakwood held off Schlarman Academy, 10-8, in a 10-inning Vermilion Valley baseball game in Danville.

Vermillion finished with three hits. Collecting two hits apiece were Taflinger and Wallace.

Dudley and Vermillion both knocked in two runs.

Drews and Vermillion each scored three runs. Taflinger tallied two runs. Both Dudley and Wallace scored once.

Oakwood was 9-for-10 on stolen base attempts. Swiping two bases apiece were Dudley, Vermillion and Marcinko.

Chase Harrison pitched the first 6 2/3 innings. He struck out 11 and walked three.

Gaining the win was reliever Loudyn Hughes, who threw the final 3 1/3 innings. He walked five and struck out four.

Oakwood (10-13) is 3-3 in Vermilion Valley Conference contests.  The Comets return to action on Friday (April 26) at home against Cissna Park.