LODI — Marco Gonzales had a rare off day from the pitcher’s mound, but the East Union ace was supported by the team’s best offensive day of the early season at Zupo Field.

He helped his own cause with a 4-for-5 effort and three RBIs, and the Lancers finished with 13 hits — five going for doubles — while fending off host Lodi in a 7-6 nonleague win Monday. 

“It was nice to see the bats come alive a little bit today,” East Union coach Dan Triglia said. “We had 13 hits and needed every single one of them, but we still left 10 guys on base so we can still do a better job.”

Gyse Hulsebosch and Jack Weaver each had two hits and an RBI and had back-to-back doubles in the fifth inning for East Union, which improved to 3-5 going into its final pre-league contest at Atwater on Wednesday. 

Lodi (3-4) took its only lead with a three-run rally in the fourth to go up 3-2, but the Lancers answered with five runs the rest of the way. Lodi plated its final three in the bottom of the seventh but left the tying run on second base.  Third baseman Mason James, who contributed an RBI double on offense, threw out a runner at first for the final out.

The Menlo College-bound Gonzales struck out four but walked six while giving up nine hits in the win.

“He didn’t have his best stuff today but he gutted it out,” Triglia said. “He competed in challenging conditions today.”

SOFTBALL

Ripon 10, Chavez 0

RIPON — The Indians spotted sophomore pitcher Lillian Dillard (six strikeouts, four-hitter) a five-run lead in the first inning and rolled to a nonleague victory.

Carla Calderon (three RBIs), Felicia Ceja (double, triple) and Taylor Jaquez (triple) each rapped out two hits. Sydney Vernon had three RBIs and a home run.