By Kieran Coffey

Sun Sports Contributor

OXFORD – It was a grueling day for the Oxford Academy varsity baseball offense last Friday, Apr. 22, as they were held to just two hits in a 2-0 loss against Afton.

“We knew that this was going to be a well pitched and well played game for the most part,” said Blackhawks head coach Chris Palmer.

It was Oxford’s second consecutive game with no runs scored as their offense struggled to muster up any hits against a fantastic Colin Nabinger. He finished with 13 strikeouts for the game, only giving up two hits and one walk. “Nabinger had a heck of a game,” said Palmer. “Along with his terrific pitching performance, he was also two for four at the plate, and drove in two of their runs. He really had himself a great day.”

The pitcher’s duel between Nabinger and Oxford’s Kevin Davis, who only yielded four hits, was the main focus of the game. Palmer felt that his team performed well, but their four errors led to their demise, “To me that’s the key to the ballgame. They capitalized on our couple of mistakes.“

Following these two difficult losses, the Blackhawks will get a much deserved week of rest before they face off against division leaders Hancock. “It will be nice to get some practices in after five straight games,” said Palmer. “It doesn’t get any easier for us. They’re (Hancock) in first place in the league, at 6-0. They have won the class D Championship for 6 straight years. They’re a well coached team.”

That game is scheduled for Monday, May 2nd, with first pitch slated for 4:30 p.m.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E

Afton 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 4 0

Oxford 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4