After putting a close game out of reach in Tuesday’s game, Sierra had to hold tight for the series sweep, finishing off a determined Weston Ranch team 6-3 for the Valley Oak League win Thursday.
Sierra (2-0 VOL, 5-2) got a solid pitching performance from starter Bryce Willis, as the lefty went 5.1 innings, allowing one earned run and striking out five.
The Cougars (0-2, 3-5) were able to put up a three-spot in the top of the sixth, but the damage had already been done. Ken Leasure broke a scoreless tie with a two-run bomb in the bottom of the third. Sierra would add another two in the inning and a run each in the fourth and the fifth.
Leasure also came in to close the door, turning in a scoreless seventh for his fourth save of the season. Leasure also proved to be the Timberwolves’ biggest bat, adding a single to his homer for a 2 for 3 day at the plate. Steven Detmers finished 2 for 2 and scored two runs.
Weston Ranch was led by Tyler Scharnow’s 1-for-2 afternoon, driving in a pair, while teammate Antonio Joseph added an RBI double in his three plate appearances. The Cougars only scratched five hits, and two errors defensively.
The Cougars will get in two non-league home contests next week beginning with a visit from Franklin (March 29) followed by a visit from Lutheran (March 31). Sierra will participate in the 40th Annual Fresno Easter Classic beginning Monday.
Rene Zuniga got Lathrop’s only hit, standing out on an afternoon where Lathrop’s bright spots were limited.
“I saw some positives out there today,” Lathrop head coach Randy Baltazar said. “We had some good swings and we ran the bases well. Our pitcher threw a lot of pitches in that first inning which got us into trouble.
“We have to cut down on our walks and start playing fundamental defense.”
Pablo Chavez took the hill for the Spartans (0-4, 2-6) going four innings, striking out seven and gift-wrapping six walks. Chavez surrendered five hits and six earned.
The challenges won’t get any easier for the Spartans as they prepare for a league series with defending league champion Oakdale.
Sierra (2-0 VOL, 5-2) got a solid pitching performance from starter Bryce Willis, as the lefty went 5.1 innings, allowing one earned run and striking out five.
The Cougars (0-2, 3-5) were able to put up a three-spot in the top of the sixth, but the damage had already been done. Ken Leasure broke a scoreless tie with a two-run bomb in the bottom of the third. Sierra would add another two in the inning and a run each in the fourth and the fifth.
Leasure also came in to close the door, turning in a scoreless seventh for his fourth save of the season. Leasure also proved to be the Timberwolves’ biggest bat, adding a single to his homer for a 2 for 3 day at the plate. Steven Detmers finished 2 for 2 and scored two runs.
Weston Ranch was led by Tyler Scharnow’s 1-for-2 afternoon, driving in a pair, while teammate Antonio Joseph added an RBI double in his three plate appearances. The Cougars only scratched five hits, and two errors defensively.
The Cougars will get in two non-league home contests next week beginning with a visit from Franklin (March 29) followed by a visit from Lutheran (March 31). Sierra will participate in the 40th Annual Fresno Easter Classic beginning Monday.
Ceres 10 , Lathrop 0
CERES — The Spartans were only able to manage one hit off Ceres pitching, dropping their second contest in VOL action.Rene Zuniga got Lathrop’s only hit, standing out on an afternoon where Lathrop’s bright spots were limited.
“I saw some positives out there today,” Lathrop head coach Randy Baltazar said. “We had some good swings and we ran the bases well. Our pitcher threw a lot of pitches in that first inning which got us into trouble.
“We have to cut down on our walks and start playing fundamental defense.”
Pablo Chavez took the hill for the Spartans (0-4, 2-6) going four innings, striking out seven and gift-wrapping six walks. Chavez surrendered five hits and six earned.
The challenges won’t get any easier for the Spartans as they prepare for a league series with defending league champion Oakdale.
— Jagada Chambers
