RIVERBANK — Ripon Christian’s baseball team started its 2017 campaign with a 14-run first inning on its way to an 18-4 rout of Riverbank.
Brandon Thomas spearheaded the hit parade with a 3-for-5 effort, plating two runs and driving in four others. Brandon Vrieling also drove in four runs and smacked a triple, Bowen Terra went 2 for 3 with a double, three runs and two RBIs and Declan Van Vuren finished 2 for 3 with two runs. Brock Nunes contributed three runs.
Willem Hoekstra struck out eight in four innings for the win. Although he did not give up a hit, he walked four and allowed two unearned runs. Kizer Vanderveer pitched the fifth in the combined two-hitter.
The Knights face Venture Academy on March 6 for their home opener.

SOFTBALL
Ripon Christian 12,
 Big Valley Christian 3
MODESTO — The Knights broke away from a 3-3 tie with a five-run rally in the top of the fifth, and they padded the lead from there for their first win of the season.
Pitcher Madison DeGraaf went the distance and struck out eight.
Catcher Liz Thomas went 3 for 5 with four RBIs. Rylie Nunes and Nicole Chapman each drove in a pair of runs.

St. Mary’s 10,
 Manteca 0 (5)
STOCKTON — Carley Morfey fired six strikeouts in the mercy-shortened three-hitter for St. Mary’s at Arnaiz Stadium.
Haighley Kissee was 2 for 2 with a walk to lead Manteca (1-1). Kaileah Johannsen had the Buffaloes’ other hit.
“This was a tough loss,” Manteca coach Josh Farris said. “We were definitely outmatched today, but we will definitely get better from playing teams like this.”