Oakville Baseball Poised For Run at State Title

In baseball, a sport defined by lengthy seasons and numerous statistical measures, success can take on many definitions. Each season brings a multitude of team and individual goals.

But for the baseball team, there is only one clear objective for the 2011 season, and that is to win the Class 4 state championship in Springfield, MO this May.

The Tigers, already 3-1 this season, reached the state semifinals in 2010 for the first time in 21 years. Oakville placed fourth at state, and finished last season at 22-9, including a 4-4 mark in the extremely tough Suburban West Conference. Oakville coach Rich Sturm leads one of the area’s top programs, and is thrilled to bring back some vital experience this season to help his newcomers.

“We just need to be consistent with our approach and play with purpose each and every day," Sturm said. "There is a lot of talent here, and we just need to get better every day. We do need to improve between now and May.”

Sturm lost six starters to graduation last year.

The Tigers’ fortunes will rely heavily on top pitcher senior Chad Gendron. He started 11 games in 2010, going 6-3 with a 2.50 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings. Gendron, 5-foot-9, is off to a fast start this season as he struck out 10 batters in six innings as the Tigers won their season opener, 13-5, over Lutheran South on March 21.

“Chad won a state quarterfinal and a district championship for us last year, and did a solid job at state," Sturm said. "He is clearly our No. 1 guy.” 

Junior pitcher Brian Whaley was impressive in his first outing this season, striking out 11 batters and allowing one earned run in a complete-game 9-3 victory over St. Mary’s last Wednesday. He threw just 13 innings last season.

“Brian is definitely positioning himself as our No. 2 guy,” Sturm said.

Senior Tommy Bohnert has a firm grasp on the rotation’s third spot, and is close to even with Whaley in terms of reliability. Bohnert pitched six innings in his first start, striking out seven and allowing only five hits in a 10-0 win over Affton.

“Tommy is jockeying for that No. 3 spot, but from there it is wide open for the No. 4 spot and on down," Sturm said. "It is an open competition to see who will be our reliable bullpen guys.” 

“We like to give our starters every chance we can to finish a ballgame," he added. "We’re not going to pull a guy just to pull him. The game is theirs to finish as long as they are not showing signs they are tiring.”

Offensively, the Tigers are capable of being dominant as they have shown in the early season. Senior shortstop Ryan Simmons will bat leadoff again this season. He hit .388 last season and led Oakville with 40 hits and 36 runs.

“Ryan is a good line-drive, gap hitter that we can really rely on at the top of the order,” Strum said.

Junior designated hitter C.J. Martin will bat third most of the year. As a DH last season, Martin hit .330 with 21 RBI. Senior catcher Dalton Bray is Oakville’s greatest power threat, and will bat fourth. In the 2010 season, Bray hit .301 but had a .474 on-base percentage. He hit two homers and had 18 RBI. He has a team-best six hits this season.

Sturm returns experience in senior Tim Chambliss at third base and senior Sean Keeney second base. Chambliss hit .351 last season with 23 RBI while Keeney saw little playing time. In the outfield, seniors Nick Bievenue and Mike Shore will start after playing seldom in 2010.

“Nick did not play much last year, but is off to a really good start this season,” Sturm said. Bievenue has a team-high six RBI.

In addition to Martin, Sturm expects power from Bievenue, Bray and Gendron.

Though it is quite an achievement to win the Suburban West, it does not guarantee postseason success. The Tigers were just 4-4 in the league last season before making their run to the Class 4 final four.

“This league is one of the top conferences in St. Louis and very well-respected in the state," Sturm said. "It is our goal to win the conference, but it would be silly to think we will not be challenged by many teams. This conference is very formidable and is up for grabs.”

Oakville will continue play in this week’s Dunahue Tournament as it hosts Seckman on Thursday at 4:15 p.m. For Oakville's season schedule, please click here.