Manteca opened the Nor-Cal Classic with an 8-1 win over Beyer-Modesto on Thursday before losing to Mariposa 4-3 at the Tracy Softball Complex.

The Buffaloes (9-4) scored seven runs in the first two innings against the Patriots (6-6).

Against Beyer, Morgan Miramontes (double), Anissa Gonzalez (2 for 4, triple) and Melissa Hansen (2 for 3, double) each had two RBI. Haighley Kissee pitched for Manteca, allowing four hits while striking out three with no walks.

“We had a pretty good game,” Manteca coach Corey Navarro said. “Kissee had a good game, our bats were hot and we played with intensity.”

Against the Grizzlies (14-2), the Buffaloes were held scoreless until a two-run fifth inning. Miramontes and Sierra Martinez both tripled for Manteca while Aryana Martinez and Rhiannon Genilla (2 for 3) each knocked in a run.

“Last time we played Mariposa we beat them 8-0,” Navarro said. “This time we came out and made too many mistakes and our bats cooled off after the first game.

“This is a learning experience and we changed things up a bit just to see how we would do.”

Valley Oak League

Central Cath-Modesto 9, Lathrop 8

A three-run first-inning home run by Desiree Mendola was not enough to give the Spartans (0-6 VOL, 6-9 overall) their first league win.

The Raiders (3-4, 6-9) took advantage of Lathrop miscues to put up four runs in the sixth inning.

“We are young,” Spartans coach Joe Lopez said. “We must learn to quit being tentative.”