East Union High opened the new season Friday with a 16-2 non-league victory over Golden Valley of Merced at Agostini Field.
“It was a good way to start the season,” said EU coach Gene Ballardo. “We got everyone into the game — that doesn’t happen too often.”
The Lancers (1-0) erupted for eight runs in the second inning, making the most of four hits, three walks, a hit batsman and several Golden Valley miscues. They did more of that in the third by tacking on another seven runs while again batting through the lineup.
Carlos Alvarez plated a run on an infield single while Willie Segura delivered an RBI triple to right and Lenny Olivares had a run-scoring double to deep center.
Down 8-0, the Cougars (0-1) got two of those runs back in the top of the third on a pair of walks, error and a fielder's choice.
East Union picked up where it left off that following inning by stringing together seven more runs.
Carlos Alvarez, who saved at least one run with a running grab in center to end that previous frame, ripped an RBI double to left and George Garton followed suit with a run-scoring hit. Zach White then blasted a triple — a carom off the left field fence — to further add to the tally. Pinch hitter Danny Peters also plated a run by drawing a bases-loaded walk.
Christian Nuon's two-run double to left made it 15-2.
Nuon pitched in relief of starter Jaydin Alvarez, who yielded two hits, two walks and fanning four in three innings of work.
Nuon opened with a walk but the runner, Josh Hickman, was gunned trying to swipe second by Lancers’ catcher Oliveras, who had a good game at the plate with two doubles and three RBI.
Nuon, who had a good hitting day with a single, double, and two RBI, retired the side from there with a comebacker to the mound and a strikeout.
Benny Slaughter pitched the fifth and final frame – the game was shortened due to the 10-run rule — stranding a runner while fanning a batter and getting the other two outs on fly ball to center and a comebacker.
East Union collected 10 hits.
In addition, first baseman Scotty Armstrong drew a pair of walks. He had a stolen base and scored twice. Carlos Alvarez came through with a double, single, scored twice and drove in a pair.
“I was happy with the way we adjusted to their pitcher in the second inning,” Ballardo said after his team was retired in order in the first.
The Lancers will host Ceres on Tuesday.