The competition was tough in the Valley Oak League this year for baseball teams. With no official postseason, the top four teams in the league got together for an unofficial mini-tournament. Oakdale traveled to Modesto to take on Central Catholic on June 1. During the regular season the two teams split to end the year. However, the Raiders doubled up the Mustangs 6-3 in the tournament game.
Scoreless through three innings, the Raiders took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Mustangs took a 3-2 advantage in the top of the fifth but Central Catholic scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth and never gave up the lead.
Oakdale had seven hits on the day including two each from Joey Janssen and Landon Nunes. Andrew Sapwell, Preston Vieira and Nathan Criswell each had a hit. The only player with RBIs was Vieira with two. On the hill for the Mustangs was Noah Chelberg; he pitched four full innings. During his final outing Chelberg gave up four earned runs, issued six walks, struck out seven and gave up three hits. Also pitching for Oakdale was Criswell. He pitched three strong innings as he gave up just one earned run and struck out four.
“The boys had a hard-fought year, given the circumstances,” said Mustangs head coach Chris Henry. “They had a very successful year with tremendous growth from a young team. Our coaching staff is tremendously proud of the hard work, dedication and passion the Mustangs played with and are grateful for the opportunity to coach such phenomenal young men.”
Boys Soccer Awards
Oakdale High School boys soccer team completed their season with a long winning streak. With no postseason, the team handed out their end of the year awards at the final game. Head coach Alfredo Quiroga and his staff issued five awards to his players. Co-MVP honors went to Kaleb McDonald and Joel Gonzalez. Riley Blount and Ryan Krause were named Co-Best Defensive Players of the Year. Caden Frazee was named Best Offensive Player. Most Improved went to Kristian Escalante and Nic Cazares. Marcos Hercules was presented with the Coaches Award.
