Tyler McCoy completes a game-ending double-play that preserves the Braves' 7-5 victory over Oscoda .
Steve Tompkins picks off a grounder during the Owls-Braves doubleheader on May 8.
Brent Baker
Alex Verlac earned the victory in the first game of Monday's doubleheader.

OSCODA - May 8, 2006 - Tyler McCoy made up for a near-disastrous seventh-inning error with a spectacular game-ending play to defeat rival Oscoda 7-5 and the Braves followed up with 13-0 second-game victory to hand the Owls a doubleheader sweep on Monday, May 8.

Tawas led 7-2 heading into the seventh inning of the opener, but Oscoda rallied as Mark Negro walked, Jason Jimenez singled and Don Crevier singled home a run. Steve Tompkins walked to load the bases and Tony Nathaniel walked to force in a run with no one out.

Alex Verlac, who pitched a complete game for the win, picked up a strikeout and forced Steven Wiede to ground to McCoy at shortstop. McCoy booted the potential double-play grounder, allowing a run to score.

Mike Lamrock roped a line drive toward left field, but McCoy more than redeemed himself with a leaping grab and made a diving tag to catch the runner of second base and end the game just when it seemed the Owls were about to at least tie it up.

Verlac finished with a five-hitter, walking five and striking out five while allowing three earned runs.

Tony Nathaniel gave up four earned runs on nine hits and one walk while striking out 11.

McCoy, Verlac and Scott Wesley each had two hits for the Braves, with McCoy driving in two runs.

Crevier, Nathaniel, Wiede, Torib Uchel and Jason Jimenez had hits for the Owls.

In the second game, Justin Troutt tossed a two-hit shutout that lasted five innings. Troutt walked seven and struck out two. Josh Thomas and Craig McEwan hit home runs to lead the offense, with McEwan driving in four runs and Verlac scoring three runs. Justin Bielby also had three hits.

Nathaniel had both Oscoda hits, including a double.

Tawas improved to 6-10 (2-6 NEMC) while the Owls fell to 1-7 in NEMC contests.