The Hamilton Christian Warriors and Oberlin Tigers will play the rubber match of their season series today, with first place in District 5-1A up for grabs.

First patch is at 6 p.m. at Legion Field.

Oberlin (9-8, 4-1) holds a one game lead over Hamilton (10-5, 3-2). The teams split a doubleheader in Oberlin on March 28, with the Warriors winning the first game 16-10 and the Tigers taking the nightcap 4-3.

Hamilton coach Ben Daugherty said the Warriors have been a balanced team so far this season.

“We have done well playing together, getting past mental mistakes, coming back and hitting and turning mistakes into runs,” he said.

“Offensively, we run the bases smart. We have to keep doing what we have been doing, hitting and making the fundamental plays, running the bases like we have so far.

Daugherty said he has several options on the mound.

“Jacob Fontenot (1-0), a lefty, Hayden Doyle (2-0) and Julien Marcentel (0-1) have been the primary starters,” he said.

“They hit their spots tremendously and stay calm under pressure. They let the defense play behind them. Offensively, outfielder Brydon Jacobson is hitting over .500 in district and has stolen some bases, Doyle has driven in a bunch of runs for us and shortstop Erik Parker is a tremendous hitter who can take the ball to either side.”

Daugherty said he is impressed with Oberlin

“They have a great team, a great coaching staff,” he said. “They make the plays and make you earn your runs.

“They have a hard-throwing righty, we are not used to seeing that, and a couple of real good hitters at leadoff and the three-hole.”

(MGNonline)