OAKES, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Originally scheduled to be in Casselton, Oakes and Central Cass played a doubleheader in the rain at Cummings Field in Oakes Tuesday night. The two teams split the doubleheader in wild fashion.
Game 1: Central Cass 7, Oakes 10
Down by three headed into the 5th inning, Oakes’ lineup burst onto the scene with a massive eight run frame. The first five men reached as the Tornadoes batted around and blew the game wide open.
It was the first time this year the Tornadoes got to double-digit runs in a game. Everyone in the lineup reached base successfully including Adam Nesutel who finished with a team high three hits and one RBI.
Taylor Schall started on the mound for Oakes and tossed five plus innings of work surrendering four earned runs (three unearned) on seven hits and a pair of walks. Schall worked into the 6th inning but was pulled after he allowed the first four batters to reach safely.
Inheriting a mess, Alex Nelson came on to pitch next. Nelson would minimize the damage in the sixth and toss a 1-2-3 7th inning to close the door, earn the save and seal the Tornado’s 10-7 victory.
Game 2: Oakes 1, Central Cass 18
Game two was a vastly different story. After game one, the field was repaired to playable status once again, and Central Cass would dominate the nightcap under a rain filled sky.
The Squirrels scored four runs in the 1st and seven runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings on their way to the blowout.
Every Squirrel hitter reached base safely. The lineup was headlined by starting pitcher Jonah Lietz who went 2-2 at the plate, scored three runs and drove in four more. Lietz’ performance at the plate would be matched on the mound as he five innings giving up four hits and just one run.
The 17 run differential was Central Cass’ second largest winning margin this season. They defeated Northern Cass 19-0 earlier this season.
Oakes is now 5-6 and Central Cass is 6-5 following the doubleheader.
Next time out for the Tornados is Thursday against LaMoure-Litchville/Marion in a doubleheader.