Oxnard 15, Sharks 2

Back on their home field after winning a rain-shortened game at LA Baptist yesterday, the Sharks encountered an offensive juggernaut. Oxnard pounded out eighteen hits while rolling to a 15-2 victory that dropped Malibu’s record on the season to 1-2.

Getting his first varsity start on the mound, sophomore Jacob Perrin held the potent Yellowjackets’ bats in check for two innings. In the third inning, however, centerfielder Devin Shepard’s knocked in two runs with a triple. Shepard, who finished the day with two triples and a double in four at bats, also scored in the inning to give Oxnard a 3-0 lead.

Meanwhile, the Sharks were squandering some scoring opportunities. After Greg Kernodle and Colbie Bell struck out to start the bottom of the first inning, Brooks Fitch walked. Williams followed with a single to right center that moved Fitch to third. Mike Gwyn walked to load the bases, but Perrin struck out looking to end the inning.

In the third inning, Fitch doubled down the left field line with one out, but was left on base as Williams struck out and Gwyn flied to left.

After Oxnard had gone up 8-0 with three runs in the fourth and two in the fifth, Malibu finally got on the board with two runs in the bottom of the fifth. Kernodle walked to lead off the inning. After Bell popped out to third, Fitch singled to left center and took second on Shepard’s errant throw to third. Williams then beat out a ground ball into the hole at short. Kernodle scored and Fitch followed with the Sharks’ second run as the throw across the diamond got away from the first baseman.

Oxnard added two more runs in the sixth and five in the seventh to add to Malibu’s misery.

On the day, Perrin gave up six runs (five earned) in four and two-thirds innings. Nate Schoenbrun, who collected his first varsity base hit in the fourth inning, pitch an inning in relief of Perrin. Wilder Philipson pitched an inning and a third in his first varsity appearance on the mound. Mike Gwyn pitched the seventh for Malibu.

Offensively, the Sharks struggled. Every starter except Fitch struck out at least once. There were thirteen strikeouts in all. Fitch was 2-for-3. Williams also had two hits. Senior Bennett Sherman, who started in left field for the Sharks, singled in his first varsity at bat. Nate Schoenbrun had the only other hit for Malibu.

The Sharks play next on Thursday against an opponent to be determined based on pool play in the ongoing Southern California Invitational/Royal Tournament.