2026 Oaks Capture Fifth Straight Title in 18+ Division of Central North Carolina MSBL

Central North Carolina MSBL, 18+ Division

Oaks 17, Cardinals 15 (Game two in Best-of-Three Championship Series Sweep)

‘Oaks Sweep Cardinals to Win Fifth Championship in Five Years’

 Submitted by Rob Isbell, League President

The Oaks captured their fifth straight 18+ division championship in the Central North Carolina MSBL (CNCMSBL) on Saturday at Historic Durham Athletic Park, sweeping the Cardinals 17-7 and 17-15. Across both games, the Oaks piled up 34 runs, 43 hits, 18 walks, and 10 stolen bases.

In Game 1, Aric Stewart powered the offense with four hits and five RBIs, highlighted by a bases-clearing triple in the sixth inning. The Oaks overcame early 3-0 and 6-3 deficits before pulling away with a six-run seventh. Brian Rubin earned the win, striking out seven over six innings while allowing just two earned runs.

Game 2 delivered a back-and-forth championship battle as the Oaks collected 26 hits and outlasted repeated Cardinals rallies for a 17-15 victory. Khalif Hill, Harley Duncan, and Trey Whitley each recorded four hits, while Duncan and Joey Stevens drove in three runs apiece.

Brendan Mafnas added a go-ahead two-run double in the third, and Stevens delivered a two-run single during a five-run seventh. Logan Simmons struck out eight over six innings, with Mafnas and Duncan contributing in relief.

Timely hitting, contributions throughout the lineup, and resilience carried the Oaks through both games—and back to the top for the fifth year in a row.