Cameron, 'Cats bounce back for win | Legion

Redemption.

After committing a costly error in the top of the seventh inning, Cory Cameron ripped a game-winning hit in the bottom half to push the Oak Harbor Legion AA team to a 4-3 win over visiting Burlington in the season opener Tuesday, May 29.

Oak Harbor took a 3-0 lead into the seventh inning behind the strong pitching of Grant Schroeder. When Schroeder walked the leadoff hitter in the seventh, coach Tyson VanDam brought in reliever Jack Richter.

After an out and infield hit, a Burlington hitter lofted a deep fly to left that Cameron misplayed and two runs scored. Then a walk, error and wild pitch allowed Burlington to score the tying run.

The Wildcats overcame the sloppy seventh to win it in its half. Richter led with a walk, then, after two outs, Brent Mertins also walked, setting up Cameron's heroics. Cameron's line-drive to right plated the game winner.

That hit wasn't Cameron's only offensive contribution.

In the fourth, Make Maletto singled, moved to second on Mertins' sacrifice bunt and scored on Cameron's hit.

In the fifth, Richter singled, Maletto was hit by a pitch and Mertins walked, setting up Cameron's RBI ground out.

Oak Harbor's other run came in the first when Schroeder walked, stole second and scored on David Kusnick's single.

Oak Harbor travels to Burlington at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 31, and then to the Lynden Tournament this weekend.

Contact Whidbey News Times Sports editor Jim Waller at jwaller@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5060.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.