2024 Oaks Sweep Squirrels for 18+ ‘Three-Peat’ Championship in Central North Carolina MSBL
Central North Carolina MSBL, 18+ Division
Raleigh Oaks 9, Flying Squirrels 1 (Game two in best-of-three championship series sweep)
Submitted by Rob Isbell, League president
September 22, 2024-The Raleigh Oaks (16-4) and the Flying Squirrels (12-6-2) faced off in the best-of-three championship series for the 2024 CNCMSBL 18+ Championship at the old historic Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, North Carolina.
The Oaks jumped out to an early lead on the back of a strong effort by starting pitcher Hunter Hux (3-0, 4.35 ERA), who earned the game-one win by working seven dominant innings of three-hit, one-run ball while striking out four and only walking only one batter. Hux was aided on offense by Oak’s manager Harley Duncan (.394) and team captain MJ Tineo (.416), who delivered clutch back-to-back, two-out RBI doubles in the third.
Hunter also got defensive help in the top of the seventh by second baseman Carlos Acevedo and shortstop Cam Thompson who each made incredible diving plays on ground balls up the middle. Designated Hitter JJ Johnson (.304) laced a booming two-RBI double down the right field line in the bottom of the frame to put the game away for good and secure the Oaks a decisive 9-1 victory in Game One of the best-of-three championship series (box score).
Game Two immediately followed, with Oaks starting pitcher Brian Rubin (4-3, 3.18 ERA) taking the mound against Squirrels ace Jon Rosoff (4-0, 2.36 ERA). The two hurlers kept it close, with Rosoff recording eleven strikeouts and Rubin limiting the Squirrels’ offense to only one run.
The Oaks displayed an incredible team defensive effort, most notably by outfielder MJ Tineo who led off the third inning with a diving catch in centerfield, and first baseman Kyle Ohanian who turned not one, but two unassisted double plays, the last of which ended a late rally by the Squirrels in the eighth. Closer Chris Giodano (4-1 3.81 ERA) slammed the door by striking out the side in the ninth to complete the series sweep and secure the Oaks their third championship trophy in as many years. (box score)
The Oaks finished the season with 18 total victories. They were led by standout players Brian Rubin, a two-way star who, in addition to leading the league in walks and runs scored, also led the Oaks pitching staff in wins, strikeouts, and innings pitched, and MJ Tineo, with a team-leading .416 batting average and 31 RBI, and Khalif Hill who led all Oaks in steals with 13 while not being caught once.
The Oaks pitching staff standouts include Chris Giodano, Hunter Hux, and Felipe Martinez. The Raleigh Oaks’ was established in 2022 and is led by first-year manager Harley Duncan. This is the Oaks’ third-straight championship in the Central NC (18+) Men’s Senior Baseball League (2022, 2023, 2024).