Pioneers advance with 6-1 win over Oakland City (Ind.)

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio -- Javier Cardoso struck out 12 batters in 8.0 strong innings to lead Point Park University to a 6-1 win over Oakland City (Ind.) at the RSC Baseball Championship on Friday.

The Pioneers (33-15) won the elimination game to move on to Day 3 Saturday from VA Memorial Stadium. The Pioneers will play on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. versus an opponent that will be determined throughout the day on Friday.

Cardoso improved to 7-2 with the playoff victory. He allowed only three hits and was ahead 6-1 when he left after 8.0 innings. Cardoso was in a major groove with his 12 punchouts versus zero walks. He did not give up an earned run all day. A run scored on error in the fourth inning. That made the score 2-1, but it turned out to be harmless with Cardoso cruising and some offense coming later from the Pioneers. 

Carlos Martinez delivered an RBI double for Point Park in the fourth inning to increase the lead to 3-1. Justin Oakley tacked on a solo homer in the sixth for a 4-1 lead. 

Point Park got more insurance runs on Isaac Santana's two-run homer to the left-field corner in the eighth. 

The Pioneers out-hit the Mighty Oaks (30-21), 10-3. Leading the way were Eddie Javier, Jr., Oakley and Santana with two hits apiece. 

Ben Simmons started and went 5.2 innings for Oakland City. He gave up four runs on seven hits. Two bullpen arms gave up the other runs down the stretch. 

Joathan Rivera pitched the ninth inning for Point Park in a non-save situation. 

For further updates -- including Point Park's opponent for Saturday -- check back later at PointParkSports.com. 

Click the link below for bracket updates directly from the RSC:

RSC Baseball Championship Central