Author: Lizeth Castillo
More than half-way done with its season, the men’s baseball team has run into a nine-game losing streak. Currently at a 4-8 conference standing, and holding an overall 7-15 record, the team must pull itself together and refocus if the Tigers hope to make it to the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) in May.
The team’s most recent three-game set against the Chapman Panthers resulted in a 5-2, 9-2 and 6-4 Tiger loss. The team underwent its most unpleasant loss during the second game of the series, which was on Saturday, March 10. Although the team put up a substantial fight and was able to avoid being shut out in the bottom of the sixth, Chapman’s pair of two-run home runs secured a Panther win.
During the first game of their triple game play with the Panthers, the Tigers were unable to attain a lead over Chapman throughout the game. Starter Tyler Eyrich (sophomore), who reached seven hits throughout the day, went 6.2 innings and kept defensive play high, only letting Chapman earn two runs. However, the Panthers, taking advantage of a Tiger error, scored one run before a two-run homerun early in the game. Chapman held the lead from the beginning of the game, and although the Tigers were able to tie the score in the third inning, Chapman quickly regained the lead through the end of the game.
Additionally, earlier in the week, the Tigers suffered another devastating triple loss to University of La Verne, ending the three-game set 12-6, 18-3 and 7-4, respectively.
Notable season performances have come from players such Cory Popham (first-year), according to co-captain Dan Kelley (junior). Kelley, who was the only Oxy player with more than one hit during the team’s second game against Chapman, has also proved to be an integral part of the team this season.The team as a collective has been unable to escape its quagmire of discontent, despite commendable defensive base-coverage throughout the season from various players. “Jason Jebbia [senior] and Stephen Hillard [sophomore] have just been crushing the ball at the plate,” Joshua Throckmorton (sophomore) said. Unfortunately, it takes more than exceptional base-coverage to put points on the scoreboard.
It will take steady defensive play coupled with a firm offense to move the Tigers closer to a more balanced SCIAC and overall record. Kelley acknowledged the team’s defensive deficit and its hopes for improvement throughout the latter part of the season. “Despite a somewhat rocky start on the defensive side, the defense is beginning to play up to its potential with a .957 team fielding percentage on this season,” he said.
As the season rounds into its final phase, every remaining game is for SCIAC conference play. In addition, the Tigers face three more three-set games against Pomona-Pitzer, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Whittier College. Each game presents the opportunity for an improved SCIAC record and will bring the Tigers one step closer to, or farther from, post-season play.
The Tigers’ next match-up is on Friday, March 26 against SCIAC rival Pomona-Pitzer.
Additional reporting by Joyce Lee.
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