With two runners on base and East Union High leadoff Steven Weddington representing the tying run at the plate, Sierra pitcher Andy Scott reared back and hurled an outside fastball that soared past Weddington’s swing and connected with Jordan Louie’s catcher’s mitt with a resounding pop.

The third strike snared the final out in a 3-0 victory and was the finishing touch on a one-hit shutout for Sierra’s senior ace on Tuesday, May 5.

It was a satisfying effort for Scott, who was a key component on last year’s team, which was on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs before two consecutive losses to East Union ended the Timberwolves’ season.

“I just kept competing, and my defense did a good job for me,” Scott said. “I was a little inconsistent, but when I did throw a strike it hit my spot.”

Sierra scored all three runs in the third inning. Following a leadoff home run by Louie, Joey Valencia (1-for-2) snuck a ball through the infield for an error to score Jonathan Davis (1-for-2) and Dylan Debrouwer (2-for-3). Jacob Angelo also went 2-for-3.

Scott (eight strikeouts, six walks) saw another sharp performance from East Union’s Frank Bailey, who downed eight Timberwolves via strikeout and allowed seven hits.

“There was two very strong pitching performances,” East Union coach Dan Triglia said. “They had a very good inning for them with that leadoff home run and a couple runs they tacked on, but we were just never able to generate any kind of offense.”

Sierra (9-4 Valley Oak League, 15-8 overall) remained in prime position to claim the second and final seed from the VOL into the Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV playoffs. The Timberwolves finished the VOL campaign Thursday at East Union, though results weren’t available at press time. Sonora (9-4) played undefeated Oakdale on Thursday to decide the final postseason berth.

East Union played without cleanup hitter and third baseman Garrett Fisher, who injured a foot during warm-ups.

“We feel bad for Fisher because he is a good kid,” Sierra coach Jack Thomson said. “It changed a lot because you don’t have to be as aggressive pitching at a hitter if you don’t have Fisher batting behind him.

“But it was a good win for us, especially after last year when they beat us twice.”

Manteca

Ryan Knisely hit 2-for-2 with two RBIs, three runs and a double as the Buffaloes (4-9, 10-14-1) powered past Weston Ranch 6-0 on Tuesday. Sam Jorgensen, Daniel Miramontes and Malcom Roberson each went 2-for-3.

Matt Barber tossed seven scoreless innings with six strikeouts, three walks and three hits allowed.

The Buffaloes finished the season Thursday.

• To contact Sun Post Sports Editor Ike Dodson, e-mail ike@sunpost.net.