Manteca scored three quick runs Tuesday and then rode the hot arm of Bel Tonna to a 4-0 Valley Oak League softball win over visiting East Union.

“I thought we had our chances for more runs,” Buffaloes coach Josh Farris said. “They played good defense, and after they changed pitchers, their new pitcher kept us off balance.

“I was super proud with how Bel pitched. She had a bases-loaded jam along with one at second and third with one out. I am super proud of her, because she wanted this game. She wanted to pitch this game, and she pitched outstanding.”

Tonna went the distance, striking out 10, while allowing three hits and three walks.

“My mindset is that I stay locked in,” Tonna said. “My warm-ups were really good and that showed in the game.”

Aleisa Harris singled to center in the first inning for Manteca (2-0 VOL, 6-3 overall), plating Sienna Owen and Maleiah Garza for a 2-0 lead.

“I have been thinking about how I just need to swing the bat and not be so worried up there,” Harris said. “So, I saw the pitch, and I knew to turn on it.”

Garza doubled in the first inning for the Buffaloes and walked in her other two plate appearances.

“Our pitcher was giving her all on the mound,” Garza said. “So, I wanted to give my all at bat.

“I was watching for my zone, and in those last two at-bats, I didn’t see my zone, so I took a lot of pitches.”

Garza walked and scored in the third inning on a Lauren Moncada bunt, and Owen plated Bella Cooper for the team’s first run.

With three across in the first and runners on the corners with one out, Lily Pickering came into the circle for the Lancers (0-2, 7-4) and got a double play on her first pitch when a bunt attempt was caught for an out and the baserunner charging from third was doubled up. She went the rest of the way, allowing one run and one hit while striking out eight and walking four.

“She (Pickering) is a workhorse for us right now,” East Union coach David Garza said. “Both of our pitchers are working tremendously hard and with her poise and composure she controlled the game, a high-energy game on both sides, and she pitched a heck of a game for us.”

“We knew we had to come out here and compete because they are a very good team. They put the ball in play in the first inning. We have been practicing really hard and we are beat right now but we are trying to grind these games out.”

Na’meen Harper went 2 for 3 for the Lancers, reaching on an error as well.

East Union’s travels to Mountain House on Thursday and next and Manteca travels to Modesto to face Central Catholic on Tuesday with both games at 4 p.m.