Judd Syer’s 12th inning game-winning infield single lifted Oxford to a a 5-4 win over Mountain Brook in AHSAA Class 6A quarterfinal baseball.

“This was a classic game between outstanding teams,” said Oxford coach Travis Janssen. “Our kids kept battling and did not give up.”

Defending state champion Oxford hosts Hartselle in next week’s semifinal action.

Caleb Barnett slapped a solo homer to right field to give Mountain Brook a 4-3 in the top of the final inning.

“I told our kids that Oxford would not give up,” said Mountain Brook coach Lee Gann.

With one out in the bottom of the inning, Canaan Whitman was hit by a Spartans pitch, advanced to second on a wild pitch and third one a ground-out. Second baseman Reid Mansicalco slapped a single to center field scoring Whitman to set up the dramatic ending for Syer.

Syer hit a high chopper over the head of Mountain Brook’s third baseman, but it was too deep in the hole for Spartans shortstop Paul Barnett to make a play.

“I am so happy for our kids,” Janssen said. “Reid delivered a huge hit for us. Carter Johnson had his best outing of the year on the mound in relief. This was a battle between two outstanding teams.”

Star of the Game: Alabama commitment Carter Johnson, who was 1-for-3 at the plate, struck out nine Spartans and allowed two runs in six innings on the mound.

Coachspeak: “This was a total team win. Mountain Brook gave us a very tough matchup. Our guys just kept battling.” – Janssen

They said it: “The whole Mountain Brook community should be proud of these kids. They are going to be great young men.” – Gann

Next: Oxford will host Hartselle Class 6A semifinals next week.