This Tuesday, the baseball team plays rival and league champion contender Sage Hill on its home field. The last bout between these two teams ended in a Patriot victory when Oxford scored its only runs of the game in the top of the seventh inning and then held on in the bottom to win. The feud has become more heated since the past year because at the end of the 2009 season, both teams were awarded a Co-Champion title. The Patriots walked through a week of weak competition in which they dismantled the feeble Whitney varsity team, with a focus on the games to come.

The Oxford baseball team had some trouble in the beginning of the preseason but pulled out of it when league arrived. The first game against Whitney was not much of a contest as the Patriots scored eighteen runs in the fifth inning to solidify a win. Sage was the next victim but this game was only a one run struggle until the seventh. Crean Lutheran did not put up much of a fight either as Oxford rolled over the new team with a shutout. The fourth league game was played against St. Margaret’s Episcopal School, who did not let the Patriots score more than five runs, but did not threaten offensively which allowed Oxford to beat them five to one. Brethren Christian was the last of the first round teams and did not challenge the Patriots because of meager pitching and lost morale, allowing Oxford to embarrass the Warriors on their home field. Oxford Academy then went on to shut down Whitney for the second and third time after a disappointing Spring Break tournament.

The team’s league run has not been without problems though. With an injury to Freshman Juan Viana during practice, the number of substitutes dwindled at one and decreased the number of players available to play to only ten when nine are required to fill all positions. With his recuperation in process and nearing its end, Viana is expected to be able to provide some support during the next week. Also, an elbow injury to Junior pitcher Steven Criss after his start against Sage Hill has prevented him from being able to pitch for Oxford. Reduced to only playing second and batting third, the team’s other pitchers have stepped up in a big way. Senior Patrick Zajac has adapted to play shortstop when he is not pitching and has provided consistency and reliability at shortstop. His pitching this year has given the Patriots key wins and allowed Oxford to rise above its competition. Zajac also leads the team in batting average and several other hitting categories, proving to be a force to be reckoned with at the plate. Sophomore Daniel Lucak has come through for the Patriots on the mound with vital league wins and quality starts. Junior first baseman Douglas Uselton has also been put on the mound for Oxford and has performed with brilliance. His style of pitching which consists of an arsenal of a fastball and developing curveball has baffled hitters and benefitted the Patriots. Terrific hitting from Junior Hayden Higger has given him the lead in runs batted in for the team in his attempts to surpass the number set by Sophomore Lucas Sardo last year. Impressive performance by Sophomore Nick Foutris in the lead off position has allowed the batters following him to help set up key run scoring opportunities.

With the team seemingly shaping up for the games against Sage Hill, prospects look good for another close win against the Lightning. Because of Oxford’s dedicated coaching staff, the players have been able to put their best into practice and work on fundamentals as well as particular situational skills. Head Coach Dana Bedard has prepared another batch of ballplayers ready to play their hearts out. His prowess in team management and motivation has given the players an advantage that many other teams do not have. Skills and strategy coach Steve Fenoglio has sharpened the Patriots into smoother fielders and more consistent hitters with firm instruction. Help from assistant coach Guy Sardo and Matt Fenoglio has balanced out the intensity of Bedard and Fenoglio while providing the team with essential support.

With the shadow of a CIF championship hanging over their heads, as well has several alumni, the Oxford Academy Patriots are confident in their pursuit of another Academy League championship. With rival Sage Hill close on their heels, the players have worked hard all season to be able to perform valiantly against the Newport bolts. The gang of players resembles more of a group of brothers playing for the love of the game that is unmatched by any other team in the league. Tuesday’s home game should turn out another tough, hard-fought competition and will be pivotal in the outcome of the Academy League standings.