Coming off consecutive non-league losses to three tough teams from larger schools, the Indians opened Trans-Valley League play last week against unbeaten rival Escalon.

They dueled in a doubleheader Thursday at Mistlin Park, with Ripon coming away with a one-sided sweep, 8-3 and 11-0. The TVL’s reigning Outstanding Offensive Player had much to do with it.

Downs finished 6 for 9 with two doubles, two triples, five runs scored and one RBI.

“I was just seeing the ball well today,” Downs said after the two wins. I just tried to stay loose on my last few at-bats, and that’s when I got that triple.”

And that’s not all.

The 6-foot-4 junior was also the winning pitcher for Game 2, striking out seven while scattering four hits over six solid innings.

Downs did well to wriggle out of a jam in the fifth inning to preserve the shutout. Escalon (3-2) loaded the bases with no outs thanks to an error, infield single and a walk. He induced a pop-up to the mound and struck out the next two to end the threat.

“I just had to take a deep breath in the fifth,” Downs said. “I knew my stuff was good. I just kind of stuck with my sinker and didn’t try and do too much, and it turned out the right way.”