Oilers Bewilder Barons in Sunset League Opener

The Huntington Beach Oilers (2-0) strike first in the win column against the Fountain Valley Barons (4-3) Wednesday afternoon from HBHS Stadium. After a weeklong hiatus due to scheduling, the Oilers buckled up for a pitching battle that saw both teams yield a total of only seven hits, while the home team posted 11 strikeouts for the second consecutive game. Starting pitcher Otto Espinoza set a season-high in punch-outs with five, while out of the bullpen Tyler Bellerose picked up his second straight win in relief with a two inning performance. Sophomore Jared Grindlinger was sensational in closing out the game, delivering two and one-third perfect frames, while setting a season-high of four strikeouts.   

The offense generated only three runs, a two-run home run by Trent Grindlinger (first inning) and sacrifice fly by Matt Haidl (second inning). The blast by the older Grindlinger brother put up a two-spot in the home half of the first, which the Oilers have now done in back-to-back games. Outfielder Trevor Goldenetz extended his hit streak to two games, while also stealing his team-leading third bag of the year. 

This was the first head-to-head matchup between these two programs this season as Huntington Beach took two of three from the Barons in 2024. They will battle once again on Thursday, March 20 at Fountain Valley High School, for the second of this year's three-game series. 

With today's win, the Oilers improve to 1-0 when wearing their Black (Home) uniforms. Last season, "black" was tied for the most worn jersey on game days (12) and it led the team to a 9-3 record. 

Oilers Scoring Plays: 

Bottom 1: Trent Grindlinger Homers to LF, Trevor Goldenetz Scores (2-0 HB)

Bottom 2: Matt Haidl Sac-Fly to CF, Jared Grindlinger Scores (3-0, HB)

Stars of the Game: 

Trent Grindlinger: 1-3, HR, 2 RBI

Trevor Goldenetz: 1-2, R, BB, SB

Jared Grindlinger: 1-3, 2B, R / 2.1 IP, 0 ER, 4 K

Otto Espinoza: 2.2 IP, 0 ER, 5 K

The Oilers will return to Sunset League action next Tuesday, March 18 as they hit the road for the first time this season against the Marina Vikings. You can listen to the game on hbhsathletics.mixlr.com with the "Voice of the Oilers" Dominick Lorenz, beginning at 3:00 PM with the pregame show followed by first pitch at 3:15 PM!  

LISTEN TO HUNTINGTON BEACH VS. FOUNTAIN VALLEY HIGHLIGHTS HERE (CLICK IMAGE BELOW):