Manteca High is suffering through a period of defensive difficulties, dropping its second straight Valley Oak League contest in a 10-0 shutout to the Sonora Wildcats Tuesday.

The Buffaloes were silenced by left hander Ryan Stevenson, who went the distance in the shutout.

“This team is better than we are playing,” Manteca head coach Gene Ballardo said. “That probably is the most frustrating aspect about it. We’ve got to give their pitcher credit; he pitched a good game and really did a good job mixing up his speeds.”

The Buffaloes got a 2-for-3 day at the plate from Michael Matthews, Daniel Miramontes was 1 for 3 as was Alex Martinez.

Jeremy Vaughn handled the bulk of the pitching for the Buffaloes, holding Sonora in check over the first three innings before errors led to a five-run Sonora fourth inning.

The two clubs will meet today at Manteca High.

“Hopefully we can make it challenging,” Ballardo said. “And put together a better effort than we did at their place.”

First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.