David Hager called sophomore Jason Medina “the big offensive hero” in visiting Weston Ranch’s 7-3 upset of Central Catholic on Wednesday.

It was Medina who broke up Matt Banks’ bid for a perfect game in the fifth inning, sparking the Cougars’ late run that included all seven of their runs in the final two frames. Down 3-0, Weston Ranch (1-2 Valley Oak League, 6-9 overall) jumped ahead with a four-run sixth inning and plated three more for good measure in the seventh.

The Raiders (2-3, 6-7) threatened to at least send the game to extras by loading the bases in the bottom half. That was when Jordan Severin came in for a clutch strikeout and the save. Manuel Rubio was the winning pitcher, and Medina finished 2 for 3 with two runs. C.J. Drain also scored a pair of runs.

“All in all it was a good win,” Weston Ranch coach David Hager said. “We did some good things today and showed that when we come out ready to play and compete we can be a pretty doggone good team. I also have to credit Central Catholic, they played a great game.”



Kimball 10, East Union 5

In Tracy, the Lancers (0-3, 1-12) appeared to be in good shape leading 2-0 after three winnings and with their ace pitcher on the mound.

Then Kimball (3-2, 5-5) for four runs in the fourth and sixth more an inning later. The Jaguars tagged Marco Gonzales for eight of their 14 base hits. Gonzales smashed a three-run homer in the seventh inning.

Gabe Chavez (double, two runs) and Lucas Garcia (two doubles, RBI) each went 2 for 4. Adrian Afflleje also roped a double.



Oakdale 8, Lathrop 2

It wasn’t until the top of the seventh inning that the visiting Mustangs (4-1, 8-5) were able to break it open with a four-run rally highlighted by clean-up hitter Nolen Legan’s bases-clearing double. It all started with bunt singles from No. 9 batter Logan Hall and Sean Gingrich.

Oakdale earlier busted out with a four-run second inning thanks to four consecutive singles, but it was an otherwise game effort for Lathrop (0-3, 3-8). The Spartans drew first blood in the bottom of the opening frame when Brian Baltazar led off with a walk and was driven in by Keenan Donatelli’s single to right. Donatelli plated Lathrop’s other run in the fifth on David Gonzalez’s base hit.

Lathrop coach Randy Baltazar praised starting pitcher Santiago Kantun for keeping his club in the game.

“Santi was on his ‘A’ game today,” coach Baltazar said. “He was challenging every batter with all three pitches and found success by keeping the ball down.

“Despite the lost I’m proud that the guys played the game the right way.”