News Release

March 18, 2003

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The Oakton Community College baseball team makes its 2003 home debut against Robert Morris on Monday, March 24, at 2 p.m., following a Florida road trip that gave the Raiders a 10-1 record to open their season.

Playing last week in Ft. Pierce, FL, Oakton's triumph included four shutouts, one victory over the nation's 6th-ranked team from Keystone, PA, and a doubleheader sweep of 14th-ranked Madison Area Tech.

"We have a very talented group of players who this year could be competing for a national championship," said head coach Mike Pinto. "Our fans from across the community are invited to come out and support their efforts."

The Raiders also enjoyed access to the New York Mets' spring training facility during their trip. Players met and talked with major league stars, including Mike Piazza; Roberto Alomar; and Mo Vaughn, and the Raider pitching staff stood just four feet from future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine as he threw his bullpen routine.

"This was an extraordinary experience for our players," said Pinto.

Pinto said Oakton's pitchers dominated throughout the Florida stand and received daily attention from major league scouts. The Raiders allowed only six earned runs in 73 innings, led by 90 m.p.h.-plus hurlers Alex Morales (Hersey) and Julio Medina (Elk Grove). Morales (2-0) struck out 19 and allowed only five hits and no earned runs over 13 innings. In 14 innings, Medina (3-0) struck out 15 and gave up one run on seven hits.

Freshman Eric T. Johnson (Maine West) jumped out of the pack with 21 strikeouts in his two victories. Left-hander Tim Sierak (Driscoll Catholic), also a freshman, needed no relief help in pitching a four-hit shutout.

Pinto added that the Raiders outscored their opponents 89-16 over the 11 games, led by Atlanta transplant Brandon Cox (Dunwoody, GA) who hit .432 over the trip with seven doubles, one triple, one home run' and 11 RBIs. Other hitting stars included freshman Chris Sierak (Driscoll Catholic), sophomore first baseman Joe Hapanionek (Conant), and sophomore centerfielder Tom Bart (Schaumburg).

The Raiders open their home season March 24 against Chicago's Robert Morris College. For more information, contact head coach Mike Pinto at 847-635-1753.

Media Contact: Bill Paige (847) 635-1806

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