Granted, they are only five games into the 2008 Intercounty Baseball League season, but a 4-1 start is certainly something to build on for a ball club that is looking to make a major jump up the standings this season.
According to manager Dan Bleiwas, the secret so far has been the ability of the team's young talent to make an impact.
"I've been impressed with the way the younger players have handled playing against the older more experienced competition," he said. "I think our athleticism and enthusiasm has really shown through and we've been able to compete in close games."
Case in point: Evan Grills.
Robbed of a victory in his debut thanks to an ineffective bullpen, the 15-year-old sensation went eight strong innings, striking out nine, while allowing only two earned runs as the Dodgers hung on for a 6-5 victory over the Hamilton Thunderbirds Saturday night at Kinsmen Stadium.
Dan Telford led the way offensively, knocking in three runs, while Sean Cunningham connected for a pair of hits, an RBI and two runs scored. Gilbert Santana notched the save with a perfect ninth inning.
Two days later the Dodgers swept aside the Stratford Nationals, taking each game of a double header on the road to vault into first place.
In Game 1 of the twinbill, Cameron Gray upped his record to 2-0 after tossing a two-hit complete game shutout in a 6-0 final.
He got all the run support he needed with a pair of Dodger runs crossing the plate in the second inning. The offence, led by Bryan Condotta's two hits, one of which was a triple, added three more in the third and a single run in the fourth to round out the scoring.
In Game 3 the Dodgers jumped out to a 6-0 lead through an inning and a half, but were in tough the rest of the way, holding on for a 6-4 victory. Adam Garner picked up the win, striking out six in 3 2/3 innings.
Their pitching, says Bleiwas, is the main reason they head into doubleheader action this weekend against the Brantford Red Sox on such a role.
"We actually led the Intercounty League in earned run average, so we're very pleased with our pitching," he said.
Game 1 goes at 2 p.m., while the second tilt is slated for 4:30 p.m.
Oshawa's only loss came at the hands of the Nationals, 7-5 last Thursday. Despite jumping out to a 2-0 lead, the homeside battled the ball all night long, committing five errors and allowing a pair of runs on a passed ball and a hit batsmen.
