Oxford, MS – Two Power 25 teams took to the field on Thursday, April 5 as No. 5 Oxford High School played host to No. 6 Tupelo High School.

Oxford strikes early with two runs in the third and would hold off the defending 6A champs to claim a 3-0 win and sweep the series.

The pitching was strong on both sides as RHP South Sanders (Air Force signee) got the start for Tupelo, while Oxford gave the ball to Itawamba CC signee, Tyler Smith.

Although South Sanders took the loss for Tupelo, he was able to give his team a solid five and a third innings of work allowing nine hits and three runs while striking out eight and walking only one.

Oxford would get things going early offensively working the bases loaded in the first inning as Sam Bianco and Drew Bianco both record singles, but fail to push a run across. Things would pick back up in the third when the lineup turned over and Sam Bianco lead off another inning with a single. After a HBP and a passed ball Sam Bianco is able to push the first run across for Oxford. Parker Stinnett would follow lacing a double to the left-center field gap scoring the second run for the Chargers giving them a two run lead.

This two run lead would prove to be the difference for Oxford as they would get an outstanding outing from Tyler Smith, pitching for seven complete innings, facing three more than the minimum allowing no hits while striking out ten.

The Chargers would add an insurance run in the sixth inning off the bat of Bo Gatlin, who hit a sac fly to right field allowing CJ Terrell to score, giving the Oxford Chargers a late 3-0 advantage.  This would be all Smith needed on the night as he would toe the rubber in the seventh and get a couple of quick strike outs, allowing Oxford to claim a 3-0 victory and sweep the series.

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