ENDERLIN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – There hasn’t been any Oakes baseball since late July of last year, but it has finally returned.

This summer will be deemed as an “Independent League” due to the American Legion not sponsoring the league because of COVID-19 concerns.

The new makeshift league kicked off Monday night in Enderlin as Oakes picked up a 2-1 victory to start the season off.

Oakes struck first in the opening frame on an RBI single off the bat of Alex Nelson that scored Garret Meehl, but just a half inning later Enderlin threatened with the first two batters reaching base against Oakes starter Brady McKenna. Dealing with two runners on to start his season, McKenna bounced back and retired the next two batters before a two-out RBI single from Carson Bartholomay tied the game.

Innings 2 through 5 saw plenty of traffic on the base paths for both teams but no runs. Oakes had the best chance to score in the 3rd inning when they loaded the bases without a hit but failed to score.

Oakes’ lineup struggled to make contact off of Enderlin starter Austin Glarum. The right hander tossed six innings and struck out 10 batters while surrendering just three hits.

Glarum put together a robust outing, but it wasn’t good enough. In the 6th inning Oakes’ Jaidy Gebhardt reached on a dropped third strike. The miscue was followed by a run-scoring triple from third baseman Connor Schall. It was the only extra base hit of the day for Oakes, but it gave them the lead for good.

McKenna finished his day going six innings, allowing just one run on four hits and four walks and struck out seven batters. Meehl closed the door in the 7th by striking out the side in order.

Oakes starts the season 1-0 and will play their first home game this Thursday at 6:00 against FHL. Coverage can be heard on KDDR AM1220/95.9 FM and online at newsdakota.com.

Listen back to the full game below.