Sierra brought the bats out during Thursday’s preseason road matchup against Escalon.

The Timberwolves improved to 3-2 behind a solid five-inning performance from senior Kyle Oden, who tossed six strikeouts and six walks and gave up two hits during a 16-0 victory over the Cougars (3-2).

“We played well, we pitched well and we played good defense,” Sierra head coach Jack Thomson said. “We had very good approaches at the plate, and it was a good effort all the way around.”

Sierra tallied 10 hits and pulled away with a six-run top of the third that made it 7-0. In the top of the fifth inning, the T’Wolves tacked on nine more to make up the final.

Sierra junior Ryan Vasquez went 2 of 3 with three RBIs and senior Jake Pruitt went 2 of 3 with a double and RBI. Jake Souza (2 of 2) and Dakota Connors both contributed. Connors went 1 of 3 with a two-RBI effort including an extra base hit.

“Souza has improved steadily, and (Connors) can play,” Thomson said. “I was surprised with the outcome, but we played well and in baseball sometimes that happens – especially in the preseason.”

Sierra will play against Gregori today in a 3:30 p.m. matchup and then will host Buhach Colony-Atwater Monday at 3:30 p.m.

Gregori 7,
East Union 3

The Lancers (0-5) suffered a non-league loss on the road despite senior Andrew Ruiz going 2 of 3 with a double and a pair of RBIs. Sophomore Marco Gonzalez went 3 of 4 and Kyle Emerson was 2 of 4 with a double. Ruiz connected on a two-RBI double in the seventh. EU tallied its first run in the fourth inning and even outhit Gregori 11-10. Gabe Chavez pitched just under four innings and gave up four earned runs (six total), five hits, tossed two strikeouts with two walks. Matt McGehee and Trevor Huntoon finished the game for the Lancers, who will visit Patterson Monday at 4 p.m.

Chavez 8, Weston Ranch 2

The Cougars fell to 1-6 and tallied three hits against the Titans, including an RBI and a single from sophomore Jordan Severin. Senior Cody Simerley had an RBI with a double and freshman Manuel Rubio finished with a double. Chavez took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and after Weston Ranch got one back in the top of three, the Titans went ahead 4-1 lead the home half of the frame. The Cougars, who will play against Delta Charter at 4 p.m. Saturday, scored their last run in the sixth inning.

Sonora 10, Ripon Chr. 0

The Knights (1-3) were shut out for a third straight game, this time against a Valley Oak League squad. Ripon Christian gave up one in the second, third and fourth inning as Sonora took a 3-0 advantage into the fifth. The Wildcats erupted for seven in the top of five to complete the 10-run mercy rule. Freshman catcher Brian Thomas went 2 of 2 while senior David Henderson and sophomore Connor McGovern each went 1 of 3 for RC’s four hits. The Knights will conclude preseason at home against Millennium today at 3:30 p.m., followed the Southern League opener Tuesday at 4 p.m. at home against Waterford.

Ripon 5, Bret Harte 1

The Indians improved to 2-2-1 in non-league contests after knocking off the host Bullfrogs. Ripon took a 3-1 lead in the sixth inning and then tacked on two more in the seventh. The Indians will visit Summerville on Monday at 3:30 p.m., followed by a home game Tuesday against Brookside Christian.