Bulletin staff reports
TRACY — Alex Gouveia went 3 for 5, Ryan Ward struck out seven over six innings and Manteca collected 14 hits in a 10-3 drubbing of host Kimball on Tuesday.
The win coupled with East Union’s loss to Weston Ranch has Manteca (7-4, 15-7 overall) tied for second place in the Valley Oak League with three games left. The top three teams advance to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III playoffs.
“Proud of our approach at the plate today,” Manteca coach Neil MacDannald said. “Also proud of Ryan’s effort in a tough place to play. He grinded and gave us a chance to win despite not having his best stuff.”
Kimball (4-7, 12-9-1) was held to four hits against Ward and six total. The Buffaloes, meanwhile, had no problem stringing hits together.
Gouveia added a double, two runs and a stolen base to his productive outing. Joel Olmos )2 for 2, two RBIs, two runs), Kyle Rachels (2 for 2, double, triple, two RBIs) and Gerson Gomez (2 for 4, two RBIs) were other key contributors.

Ripon Christian 12, Waterford 0 (5)
RIPON — Jadon Vander Molen pitched a mercy-shortened one-hitter and helped his cause with two runs scored and another driven in.
The Knights broke it open with a six-run second inning. They only collected six hits but walked 11 times. Bowen Terra and Willem Hoekstra plated three runs apiece, and Dale Fisher had three RBIs.
Ripon Christian (7-4, 11-6 overall) and Waterford (6-5, 7-16) are part of a six-team race for the Southern League championship and three SJS Division VI playoff spots.