Sophomore Alex Murrietta pitched five innings and helped power the offense with a home run in Manteca's 16-9 win at Weston Ranch on Tuesday.
The Buffaloes, now 3-2 in the Valley Oak League, led 8-0 in the middle of the third inning. Both teams struggled with errors.
Murrietta struck out six, and only one of the six runs he surrendered were earned. Offensively, he was 3 for 5 with three RBIs. Emiliano Cruz also had three hits. Dylan DePrater had a triple to go with four runs scored and two more driven in. Sonny Elder plated three runs, and Landan Chamberlain finished 2 for 5 with two runs. Elder and Chamberlain also pitched an inning each in relief.
Dustin Tinsley took the loss for Weston Ranch (1-4) after his five-inning start. Mi'Son Coilton went 3 for 3 with two runs and was a homer shy of the cycle. Alejandro Piedra was 2 for 4 with two runs.
“We did some good things today with the bat and on the mound, but we just made too many errors behind our pitchers,” Weston Ranch coach David Hager said. “Credit to Manteca, every time we made an error they certainly took advantage of it.”
The rematch is Thursday at Manteca.
Sierra 10, Oakdale 5
The Timberwolves (3-2) won their third straight behind Zach Fonseca's strong pitching effort. The home club set the tone with three runs in the first and led 7-0 after five innings.
Fonseca was able to escape trouble early on as Oakdale (3-2) threatened with runners on third base with less than two outs in the second and third innings. The Mustangs rallied late, scoring two unearned runs against reliever Jakob Lopez who pitched 1 2/3 innings. Brendan Rapisura got the final out.
Austin Frisk highlighted the offense, going 3 for 4 with three RBIs. Angel Valdez contributed a two-run single, while Zion Bell drove in two and hit a double.
“Our defense played well, and I think we are getting better as a team,” Sierra coach Travis Thomson said. “I'm excited to watch this group grow.”
Kimball 12, East Union 0 (6)
The visiting Jaguars (5-0, 5-2 overall) dominated the duel between the VOL's two remaining unbeaten clubs. Tio Villalobos went the distance, scattering five hits while fanning seven.
Kimball scored seven runs in the sixth to put the mercy rule in play.
“We played absolutely horrendously, throwing the ball all over the place, dropping fly balls and some routine double plays missed,” East Union coach Carlos Herrera said.
Losing pitcher Willie Segura threw three innings and was followed by three relievers. The Lancers had chances to stay in the game early, getting runners on second in each of the first four innings.
“It just wasn't our day,” Herrera said. “We had a poor approach, but ultimately we gotta take our hat off to Kimball. Nothing but respect for them, they handled business and we didn't.”
SOFTBALL
Manteca 15, Central Valley 10
In Ceres, the Buffaloes (3-4 overall) tallied their third straight win after dropping their first four in VOL play. They competed in Tuesday's non-league tilt with only nine players because four others were playing other sports.
The two teams traded blows early until Manteca jumped ahead for good with a four-run fourth inning that made it 9-8. Offensive standouts were Nayellys Torres (2 for 5, HR, two RBIs), Baylee Willenbrink (5 for 6, three runs, two steals), Kalissa Martin (4 for 5, double, three RBIs) and Jessica Almeida (5 for 5, double, three steals, two runs).
Mohrgen Kissee (three innings) and Torres (four inning, eight strikeouts) split pitching duties.
Manteca 12, Chavez 0 (5)
Manteca put together its most complete game of the young season on Monday, as Kissee (two innings, two strikeouts) and Torres (three innings, seven strikeouts) combined for the mercy-shortened four-hitter.
Kissee was also 2 for 4 with a triple and two RBIs at the plate. Almeida finished 3 for 3 with a triple and a double. Rayana Ladd went 2 for 2 with a double and two RBIs.
BOYS GOLF
Central Catholic 218, Manteca 263
Karson Condit carded a 45 to lead Manteca in its season opener Monday.
