by Ryan Hayes

The Oakdale Baseball team has started their 2016 campaign off with a four game winning streak. They beat a very solid Southern High School team that had won the 2A State Championship the previous year. The baseball team is led by Senior Pitcher Tony Bianchini, Senior Catcher Dominic Bianchini and Senior Shortstop Sean Carey as they are the team’s captains.

The team has shown excellence throughout the season so far, with their current record as 4-3. Their three losses come from very solid teams, Urbana High School, Walkersville High School and Governor Thomas Johnson High School. Oakdale started off the season winning their first four games before losing their last three.

“We are in a little slump and have lost a few close games, but we started out hot and we have a lot of talent, so we can pick it up again,” said Carey.

Oakdale’s wins came from talented programs across the county and one out of county. These wins also included Walkersville, Frederick and Middletown. In their last game against Walkersville, Carey finished 2-for-3, and Junior Centerfielder Brad Foster contributed an RBI double; however, it wasn’t enough to pull out the win.

Oakdale’s main problem right now is their defense. In the last game alone, the Bears committed six errors. If the Bears want to think about making a run in the playoffs, they are going to have to work on their defense and become more disciplined.

“Playoffs are anyone’s game this year. We have a good team and I think we have a great chance to make a push in the playoffs,” explained Carey.

Oakdale’s region this year includes Linganore, Tuscarora, TJ, Frederick and Urbana, which will be a test for the Bears.

As described by Dominic Bianchini, “We are looking to make a deep playoff run this year.”

The Bears look to finish up this week with a win against Catoctin on Friday, and then a game on Monday against Tuscarora. Oakdale will try to bounce back with these games and look to get back on track.

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