Sumner Newscow report — The Oxford baseball team advanced to the second round of the Central Burden regional with a 10-6 victory over West Elk at Thomas Field Monday.

Using six runs in the second inning, Oxford built a 7-0 lead only to see West Elk comeback with three runs in the third and fourth inning and cut the lead to 7-6. Eventually the Wildcats would score three runs in the bottom of the sixth for the win.  Oxford will battle Udall at 2 p.m. today in Central Burden in the semifinals.

“I told the boys before the game, what an honor it was for them to play in the first regional game in Thomas Field history,” said Kyle Green, Oxford boys baseball coach. “When you are telling your kids about this, do you want to tell them about a win or a loss? They answered with a win, and then they went and got one.”

Freshman Cal Shimkus got the start and did a good job, Green said. In 3 2/3 innings pitched he had eight strikeouts, four walks, four runs and three earned runs.

“He had to battle through some rough spots,” he said. “He competed well and as he gets older this type of situation will help him.”

While Cal got the win, sophomore Grant Smith came in behind him and got the save. In his 3 1/3 innings pitched he had six strikeouts, six walks, two hits, two runs and two earned runs.

“He had his moments as well, but I felt like he competed well and he made some big pitches to get outs,” Green said.

Offensively, Oxford was led by Smith and senior catcher Oggie Shimkus.

“Those two boys drove in runs in big spots,” Green said. “The other boys did a great job of getting on base to be as did Neil Terry, Dalton Silhan, Dakota Mitchell, Cal Shimkus, and Camren Clements.”

Senior Derek Williams made a great pick at first in a huge situation late to complete a double play, Green said.

“It truly was a team effort in this win,” he said. “I’m one who likes to talk about relationships and the little things in life, so I have to mention this. Kenny Thomas, who our field is named after, and who in my mind is Mr. Baseball in Oxford, got to witness this game, and I know he enjoyed the win.”

Green continued:

“The neat thing about it, is his grandson Cal Shimkus got the win and his other grandson Oggie Shimkus played a vital role offensively in the win. Those are the things we will talk about and remember as these kids get older. It’s special. The majority of our team have played summer baseball for Mr. Thomas at some point in their careers and I’m forever thankful he has had them playing the game. It has helped the program tremendously and it has set the table for some fun times ahead for these boys.”

2A-1A First round at Oxford

#4 Oxford    1 6 0 0 0 3 x  10

#5 West Elk 0 0 3 3 0 0 0.  6

WP – Cal Shimkus – 3 2/3 8 Ks 4 BB 4 hits 4 runs, 3 ER. Save – Grant Smith – 3 1/3 6 Ks 6 BB, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 ER.

LP – West Elk – Wolfe.

Batting highlights:

Oxford hitting:

Grant Smith: 1-2 single, 2BB, 2 steals, 2 RBIs, 1 run

Oggie Shimkus: 2-4, 3 singles, 3 RBIs

Dakota Mitchell: 1-2 1 RBI, 1 steal, 1 BB, 2 runs.

Follow us on Twitter.