Oxford’s Nic Dodzweit struck out seven batters in Thursday’s home opener against Schenevus. (Photo by Morgan Golliver)

OXFORD – Oxford Blackhawks baseball is back for the 2024 season with a great group of players ready to play. Oxford opened the season against non-league opponent Schenevus on a chilly Thursday afternoon. Oxford fell 14-1 to the tough Tri-Valley team.

Schenevus got on the board early in the first inning after their lead-off batter reached on a hit by pitch. He would come in to score as his teammate drilled a deep ball to the left field corner. The Dragons would find power from the left field side multiple games. Oxford’s Nic Dodzweit limited the damage to only one run as he struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

In the bottom of the first, it was Oxford’s chance to tie up the game and they did just that. Conner Dunagan led off with a hard ball to right field, which put him on second base and in scoring position. Dunagan moved to third on an overthrown ball. Blake Barrows followed with an infield single to send Dunagan home and tie the game at one all. However, Schenevus found strength in the third inning to take the lead and run with it for the remainder of the contest.

Dodzweit went two and a third innings for the Blackhawks, where he struck out seven batters before being replaced by Blake Barrows. Barrows had some help from the defense to end the third inning as Ben Sheridan made a great diving catch in center field. Oxford continued to make substitutions, but the Dragons kept battling.

Oxford (0-1) heads to Harpursville on Wednesday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m.