After spotting the Kimball Jaguars a three-run lead in the top of the first, Lathrop chipped away to force extra innings, and score the winning run in the eighth inning of a 4-3 Valley Oak League win Wednesday.

The Spartans got a clutch RBI double from Mikey Pereznegron in the eighth to help the Spartans pull out the win. Pereznegron was 3-for-5 on the day with a double and a pair of RBI.

“Mikey’s go ahead double in the eight was the difference,” Lathrop head skip Randy Baltazar said. “He saw the ball really well today and he was able to capitalize for us.”

Preston Rizzo got the start for the Spartans, going all seven innings before extra innings, striking out five and scattering just two hits. Eight walks was the only issue where Rizzo could have helped his cause. Rizzo also was 2-for-4, stroking a double and a sacrifice fly.

Teammate Jared Weiler was also 2-for-5 and had a run scored.

“Our kids kept their composure,” Baltazar said. “And we were able to battle through the game. I’m really proud of how hard they played. Kimball is going to be ready to play on Friday.

“We will definitely need to match their intensity.”

The two clubs will finish the final installment of a home-home series Friday in Lathrop.

Southern League

Ripon Christian 6, Le Grand 2

The Knights broke things open with a five-run third inning, cruising to their third Southern League win with a 6-2 victory over Le grand.

Colby De Vries was the winning pitcher, tossing all seven innings and scattering just four hits.

De Vries surrendered a pair of RBI doubles, but only allowed Le Grand single runs in the third and fifth innings.

The two teams will meet up again Friday in Le Grand.