A two-out, two-run error was the ultimate decider in Ripon’s 4-3 road win over Trans-Valley League rival Escalon.

The Indians (1-1, 8-3) almost coughed it up themselves in the bottom of the seventh inning, when Erica Victorino was able to close the gap for Escalon (0-2, 6-4) with a two-run single following a one-out error that put two base runners on for the Cougars. Ripon freshman pitcher Danielle Sperry forced a grounder to second for the third out and the win.

“That’s a typical Escalon-Ripon game — it comes down to the end,” Ripon coach Robert Vernon said. “For years we were overmatched when they had (standout pitchers) Jennifer Costa and Caitlin Brooks, but the last three years have been really even games.

“We were fortunate to get out of there with the win.”

Escalon understandably feels it let one get away. In the top of the seventh, with Ripon up 2-1, Taylor Vernon connected for what should have been an inning-ending popup to first. The ball was dropped, and with the bases loaded and the runners going on contact the Indians were able to plate two much-needed insurance scores.

Vernon (2 for 3) was at the plate on Ripon’s two scoring plays. In the top of the first she drove in Shayla Da Rosa (singled) and Nicole Kaiser (walked) with a double.