Red Oak proves Lenox vulnerable

RED OAK — A year ago, the thought of playing Lenox in the second game of the season may have been intimidating, as they finished second in 1A in the 2009 State Tournament, but the loss of veteran head coach Steve Westphal and pitching ace Ethan Westphal, who had a season ERA of 0.32 in 88 innings, has proven to affect the Tigers more than expected.

The Red Oak Tigers met the challenge head-on outscoring Lenox 9-8 Thursday, winning their third game of the season.

Red Oak had eight hits off Robert Brown and Eric Hensley in the win.

The Tigers started their season with wins over Fremont-Mills, 17-3 in five innings, and Underwood, 6-5.

Saturday, they fought off a close game with Essex-South Page, winning 15-14 at home.

This week the Tigers start their inter-conference play in the Hawkeye 10 as they host Denison Thursday, before facing Glenwood and Shenandoah next Monday and Tuesday.