By Pete Borello

The Palo Alto Oaks’ summer league baseball season is already eight games old, but coach Tony Makjavich hasn’t stopped searching for more local college players to add to the roster.

“We’re still looking for pitching and pop,” said Makjavich, who’s been coaching the Stan Musial League team since 1954. “If we can get that, we can be right up there (in the league standings).”

And when Makjavich says “pop,” he isn’t talking about soda.

“We need more power hitters,” he said. “But we need pitching even more - that’s the name of the game.”

The team does have its strengths, however.

“They’re all dependable kids who are always out there,” Makjavich said. “Our defense is real good as a whole and all of the players have good speed.”

Among these players is Los Altos High graduate Victor Ambruso, who now plays at Azusa Pacific University.

“He’s a good little ball player,” Makjavich said of the left fielder. “He’s got good wheels and can run. He’s doing a good job.”

The Oaks improved their record to 5-3 last Sunday by sweeping Fontanetti of San Jose in a doubleheader at Baylands Athletic Center in Palo Alto.

The Oaks prevailed 6-5 in the first game, pounding out 10 hits and taking advantage of three Fontanetti errors. Dave Attard earned the win, upping his pitching record to 2-1.

The second game ended in the bottom of the third inning when Fontanetti forfeited by walking off the field due to an apparent disagreement with an umpire. The Oaks (5-3 overall) were ahead 3-2 at the time.

Palo Alto plays host to El Cerrito this Sunday in a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at Baylands.

The Oaks’ season runs through Aug. 26.