OSCODA - April 6, 2006 - Strong pitching by the Oscoda baseball team led the Owls to a two-game sweep of Hale in the season-opener for both squads. The Owls took the first game 10-3 and edged the Eagles in the second game 2-1.

In the opener, the Owls took advantage of eight Hale walks and three errors to score five unearned runs. The Owls needed just two hits in the game, including a two-run single by Steven Wiede that helped break the game open in a six-run second inning.

Tony Nathaniel pitched three innings and allowed three runs on five hits while striking out three. Torib Uchel picked up the win in relief with three no-hit innings, striking out five.

"We had solid defense and baserunning," said Oscoda coach Matt Jack. "Uchel (gave the Owls) three solid innings. We took what they gave us, which is our goal this year."

Ryan Brewington allowed two hits for Hale and struck out five while walking six. Will Hjorth pitched the final inning.

In the second game, Uchel laid down a sacrifice squeeze to score Jason Jiminez from third base in the bottom of the sixth inning that gave the Owls the win. Uchel also came on in relief in the top of the sixth after Hale had tied the score and struck out the final two batters, earning his second victory of the day.

Erick Taup was the tough-luck lower for Hale, allowing two hits and one run while walking one and striking out seven.

Jiminez started for Oscoda and turned in a dominating performance, striking out 10 and walking one in four innings. Jimenez, Uchel and Dustin Crevier combined for a no-hitter.

"It was an overpowering four innings by Jimenez," Jack said. "We hit seven or eight balls hard, but right at someone.

"Two solid games on defense and (on the) bases. Good start."