The Pitman High varsity baseball was riding high after a 2-0 victory over Lincoln (Stockton) on Wednesday. But that momentum was quickly extinguished Friday afternoon, as the reigning Central California Athletic League champions were blown out by the Manteca Buffaloes 15-2. The loss dropped the Pride’s record to 4-5 on year as they turn their attention to the league opener on Monday when they host Enochs (Modesto) at 4 p.m.

The Pride were trailing from the get-go when the Buffaloes put up a four-spot in the top of the first off junior starter Noah Cervantes. In the right-hander’s lone inning of work, he struggled with command, giving up four hits, including two extra-base knocks.

The Pride’s first run was scored by leadoff hitter Daniel Mazon, who crossed home plate on a passed ball after reaching base with a single.

In relief of Cervantes, fellow junior Ryder Scott tossed 1 ⅓ innings. In that time, the Buffaloes took advantage of three fielding errors to score three more runs to extend their lead to 7-1. Senior Justin Mayfield was the next arm to emerge from the bullpen and was able to monetarily stop the bleeding, tossing 2 ⅔ scoreless frames before surrendering three runs in the sixth.

Manteca was able to add  runs in the seventh. By game’s end, the Buffaloes outhit the Pride 21 to 4. 

Pitman’s pitching staff, led by Mazon, will look to keep runs and hits to a minimum when Enochs comes to town. Monday’s league opener will be the first of a three game series next week.