It had been 12 days since East Union last played a game, but the Lancers picked up where they left off Monday in an 11-2 throttling at Manteca.

Winners of 11 of their last 12, they wasted no time in releasing some pent-up energy, scoring seven runs in the top of the first inning. East Union (11-4, 18-6 overall) will host game 2 of the three-game Valley Oak League series on Wednesday.

Coach Dan Bauer said the Lancers scrimmaged the JV team on days they’d normally have games last week. They also had team-bonding activities and offered extra rest to players nursing minor knocks.

“The guys were just champing at the bit to get back out there,” he said.

Speedy leadoff batter Jackson Fay provided the early spark and didn’t cool off, finishing 4 for 4 with a walk and three RBIs, while facing three different pitchers.

“It doesn’t take much when you’re playing against your cross-town rivals,” Fay said. “We were just excited coming into the game, and our energy showed.”

He reached on an infield single on the second pitch of the game. Peyton Heath singled on the next offering, and Fay scored moments later on an overthrown pick-off attempt as he stole third base.

“Jackson is such a dynamic player,” Bauer said. “When he gets on, he causes havoc on the bases.”

Ryan Allen (2 for 4) landed the biggest blow of the opening frame, a two-run ground-rule double. Fay later knocked in two more on his second at-bat of the inning.

Julian Ledesma went 3 for 4 and scored twice, while Brayden Camara (2 for 4, two runs) added an RBI triple in the seventh inning. Kirk Simoni knocked him in to widen East Union’s lead to 11-1.

The Lancers were on their game in all facets, totaling 15 hits against five for Manteca and committing no errors.

Winning pitcher Heath was on cruise control until the final inning. He gave up all five of Manteca’s hits, walked three and struck out six over 6 2/3 innings.

Manteca (11-5, 18-8) was able to get its first two batters — Brixton Menchaca-Ortiz (singled) and Caleb Ortega (hit by pitch — on base and score on a wild pitch.

Cage Woodall’s relief appearance did not last long, as he induced a ground ball on his first pitch.

Fittingly, it was Heath who handled the final play at first base.

“(The defense) made every play out there,” Heath said. “They always play great behind me. It gives me a lot of confidence to be able to pitch, for sure.”

Sophomores Bode Hiatt (2 for 3, RBI) and Brody Carabello (doubled) provided some of the few offensive highlights for Manteca. Nate Slikker tagged a two-out single and was plated by Hiatt in the bottom of the first inning.

Carter Hetrick was another bright spot, as he provided solid work in relief. He pitched 4 1/3 innings, surrendering six hits, an unearned run and a walk to go with four strikeouts.

“It’s tough to start out giving them a seven-run lead,” Manteca coach Mark Ruiz said. It was the walks, poor pitch location, hit a couple batters and (committed) three errors— it all compounded itself and that’s what happens.

“For whatever reason, we haven’t been a very good Monday team, but we still have all of our pitching. We’re ready to go. We’re fine.”