Tuntland, Oakton a big hit so far

Ryan Tuntland went on a spring break rampage in Florida last week.

But the way Tuntland tore things up had positive ramifications for the Oakton College baseball program.

Tuntland, a freshman shortstop who was an all-area pick at Maine West, hit .515 (17-for-33) with 15 runs scored and 16 RBI as Oakton went 10-1 on its Florida trip and improved to 11-4 overall.

"He's really outstanding," said Oakton coach Bill Fratto. "He's going to be something special."

Fratto said Tuntland is receiving Division I interest. He is hitting second in the order for Oakton and is at .442 overall with 3 doubles and 19 RBI.

Tuntland helped Oakton to its most successful Florida trip in program history as it outscored its opponents 111-39.

Catcher Shane Uhle (Prospect) returned after missing last year with a medical redshirt and is hitting .269. Third baseman Tim Scanlan (Prospect), who transferred from Bradley, is hitting .200 but is tied for third on the team in RBI with 13.

Pitchers Kane Hernandez (Maine West) and Chris Michals (Rolling Meadows) each have a win. Pitcher-outfielder Steve Raetzman (St. Viator), pitcher Ricky Zapata (Leyden) and pitcher Josh Howard (Stevenson) are also on the roster.

Fratto hopes the Florida trip is a sign of bigger things ahead for a successful program looking to make a breakthrough to the NJCAA Division I World Series.

"I'm always pretty optimistic but I truly believe this squad is something special," Fratto said. "One of our mottos this year is 'From Good to Great.'

"Oakton has always been pretty good but now is the time to turn ourselves into something special."