Offense Comes Alive As The Oilers Get Back In The Win Column

The Huntington Beach Oilers (2-2-1) return to the win column for the first time since February 21 as they defeat the Edison Chargers (4-4) by the final of 6-3, Tuesday afternoon from HBHS Stadium. This win not only snaps a two-game losing streak, but also starts Sunset League play on the right foot in game one of this week's three game series.   

The top of the order jumped on Edison starter Will Stanley early in the first with an infield single (Jared Grindlinger) and a pair of walks (Owen Bone and Dane Cunningham) to set up a bases loaded opportunity for Sol Moriyama. After the Oilers stranded 12 base runners over the last two games, Moriyama bucked the trend by depositing a bases-clearing double to left-center field, giving the Oilers a 3-0 advantage. This is the second time Huntington Beach has scored in the first inning this year, with today marking their most runs this early in a game.  

Starting pitcher Jared Grindlinger would take all the help he could get as he cruised in a limited capacity on the mound, shutting out the Chargers through two and one-third innings. He would yield no runs or walks, but fanned three during his performance. The senior southpaw now has 13 strikeouts in 13 total innings pitched, which leads to his 69.8 strike percentage and opponents batting just .257.  

Huntington Beach would net two more runs in the second on a RBI single to right field by Ely Mason, scoring Jason Dunham from second, followed by a fielder's choice throwing error that brought home Owen Bone. Mason would double down with his hit parade in the third when he ballooned the Oilers lead to 6-0, dropping a squeeze bunt with two runners in scoring position, scoring Brayden Wood. 

Out of the bullpen, Mason Tapia controlled the tempo in the middle frames as he sent down the Chargers in order in the fourth, minimized damage to only one in the fifth and bookended the sixth with a pair of strikeouts. Tapia also fielded his position well with a trio of 1-3 putouts between the fifth and sixth inning. 

A late rally by Edison turned the seventh into dicey situation for closer Dane Cunningham after he sat down the first two batters before three hits, a walk and a fielding error turned into two runs. With only a 6-3 lead and Edison threatening with the bases loaded and the leading run at the plate, Cunningham came up clutch by getting DH Kobe Kee to swing and miss and end the ballgame.  

Today's win for the Oilers extends their dominance in the Sunset League against the crosstown rival Edison Chargers by winning their 15th consecutive match and improving their recent overall record to 35-14 (.714). In addition, the Oilers offense set a season high in runs (6) and hits (10), while matching their single-game total in extra-base hits with two.   

Oilers Scoring Plays: 

Bot 1: Sol Moriyama Double to LCF, Jared Grindlinger, Owen Bone & Dane Cunningham Scores (3-0 HB)

Bot 2: Ely Mason Singles to RF, Jason Dunham Scores (4-0 HB)

Bot 2: Sol Moriyama advances to first on a fielder's choice, Owen Bone Scores (5-0 HB)

Bot 3: Ely Mason Bunt Single, Brayden Wood Scores (6-0 HB)

Stars of the Game: 

Ely Mason: 2-4, 2 RBI

Sol Moriyama: 3-RBI Double

Jason Dunham: 2-3, R

Jared Grindlinger: 2.1 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 3 K + 2-4, R

Mason Tapia: 3.2 IP, 1 ER, 3 K

The Oilers continue their three-game series versus the Edison Chargers tomorrow (March 11th), on the road at Edison High School. You'll be able to listen to all the action on hbhsathletics.mixlr.com with the "Voice of the Oilers" Dominick Lorenz, beginning with the pregame show at 3:00 PM, followed by first pitch at 3:15 PM (projected times).       

LISTEN TO HUNTINGTON BEACH VS. EDISON CHARGERS HIGHLIGHTS HERE (CLICK IMAGE BELOW):