East Union High’s sophomore baseball team had a combined three-hit shutout from three pitchers who helped the Squires snap a three-game losing streak and roll into the Valley Oak League season behind am 8-0 win over Stagg Thursday.

“Outstanding day on the mound, and it’s what we were striving to get to,” East Union coach Mike James said. “In the last game before league starts, it’s a great time to show that.”

Jesus Esquivel shined in his five-inning start, scattering just one hit and two walks while striking out eight. Zac Carrillo and Brock Swift threw an inning each in relief and helped preserve the shutout.
East Union (2-3) broke away in the fourth inning with four runs. Justin Ontiveros, Alex Dias, John Olague and Swift each drove in a run.

Olague finished with two RBIs, Dias started a third-inning rally with a double and Bryson Stonum went 2 for 3 with a run.

Mikey Matthews tossed a one-hitter and gave up no earned runs in his five-inning complete game for Manteca (2-0, 5-4 overall) Thursday at Lincoln Park. He also fired six strikeouts.

Anthony Cota was 3 for 4 with two runs and an RBI; Eric Pastran finished 2 for 2 with two doubles and three runs; and Alex Martinez plated three runs and drove in another off a triple in his 2-for-4 effort.

Preston Rizo went 2 for 3 with a double for Lathrop.

The defending VOL champion Timberwolves (2-0-0) did all of their damage in the first half, getting goals from Jacques Revives (12th minute) and Stephanie Davis (24th). Lia Unterholzner got the shutout at goal.