Some have speculated during the off-season how Pat Lowrey's second season at the helm of the Delphi baseball program might play out after experiencing last season's record-breaking success in his rookie season as coach.

After losing five seniors to graduation from last season's 22-9 team that won the schools first-ever baseball sectional championship and set the school single-season record for wins (previous record was 17), some have questioned whether this season might be one of rebuilding, or reloading.

But Lowrey has approached this season with optimism and has his team believing the same.

"We have high expectations heading into the season, he said. "Although the team lost five key players to graduation, we return five starters and a handful of others who played a key role in last year's success."

"We are looking forward to the challenge and are cautiously optimistic that the 2009 season will provide the Oracles with another championship season," he added.

If the opening game is any indication of the season prospects, early results might support Lowrey's confidence as the Oracles easily defeated visiting Pioneer 14-2 in the season opener for both team's Thursday afternoon.

A.J. Beckett hit a grand slam and Dayton Rumell hit a two-run shot during an eight run 2nd inning to lead the Oracles offensively, while starting pitcher Austin Hawn allowed only one hit to earn the victory on the mound.

Andrew Flora added a pair of doubles and two RBIs, while Rumell added an RBI single in the 3rd inning to help put the game out of reach, ultimately decided by the 10-run rule after 4½ innings.

Delphi took advantage of nine walks, a hit batsman and five Panther errors in the route, jumping ahead with two runs in the bottom of the 1st inning after a lead-off double by Flora and three consecutive errors in the field on the next three Oracle batters before sending 12 to the plate during the 2nd inning offensive barrage.

Four more runs in the 3rd with the aid of four walks and a hit batsman were enough to send Pioneer home early.

Shane Hyman and Dustin Salyer had a single apiece in the contest to contribute toward Delphi's seven hits, while the Oracle defense was flawless.

Delphi continues its fourgame home-stand hosting Rossville Wednesday afternoon at 5, Cass on Thursday at 5 and Fountain Central on Saturday at 11 a.m. before traveling to Frankfort Monday for a 5 p.m. game.