Red Raiders Upset Mustangs in State Tournament

There is really something special and memorable when an underdog beats their rival in a win or go home situation. In this case, it was the No 9 seed Ocean City High School baseball team upsetting No1 seed Mainland Regional High School, on Mainland’s home field. Ocean City won 3-1.

In this South Jersey Group 3 State Tournament game, it was pitching and defense that made the difference.

After the Red Raiders knocked off the Cherry Hill West in the quarter finals behind a strong effort on the mound by senior Evan Taylor, the team rode the momentum just a short drive over the bridge to take on the 2025 Diamond Classic winning Mustangs in the semi final game on Friday afternoon.

It was junior Kameron Street’s turn on the mound, and he was locked in. Street allowed just four hits in 6 1/3 innings, striking out 6 and walking only 1. Freshman Preston Pahang came on in relief for the Red Raiders and picked up his second straight save in the state tournament.

Ocean City got runs from Kameron Street, Evan Taylor and Cole Laursen. Josh Pashley went 1-for-2 with a pair of RBIs.

Frank Coppenbarger, Director of Team Travel and Clubhouse Services for the Philadelphia Phillies, now retired and one of the Ocean City Assistant Coaches, stated after the game “Huge win. I loved every minute of it!”

Ocean City improved to 14-11 and has now won nine of its last 11 games. Mainland finished 17-10 in head coach Joe Smith’s first season, following his years as head coach of Delsea Regional High School.

Ocean City advances and will visit the No. 5 seed Toms River South on Tuesday in the semifinal. No. 2 seed Toms River East will host No. 6 seed Shawnee.