The Los Medanos College baseball team jumped into first place in the Bay Valley Conference with a 11-1 victory over Sierra College Tuesday, Feb. 6. 

The Mustang offense was able to produce 11 runs, but with just eight hits. 11 walks by Sierra pitchers helped give Los Medanos several offensive scoring chances. 

“We were swinging at better pitches,” Mustangs head coach Harmen Sidhu said. “We stayed aggressive, but in the zone. I think we’ve been working on that a lot. When the pitchers are struggling with command you can be more selective with what you swing at.”

Los Medanos scored often and early against Sierra College, scoring a combined five runs in the first two innings. Doubles from Khamani Blakney and Darrell Mays scored three runs and by the end of the second inning, the Mustangs led 5-1. 

Jason Silva took the mound for the second time this season. His last outing against San Joaquin Delta College, he walked four batters and went just four innings. Sidhu said he saw improvement from his last start as Silva walked just two batters and struck out five. 

“He did a great job,” Sidhu said. “That was one of the best outings I’ve seen him pitch. He trusted his defense and made competitive pitches in the zone. Compared to last time, he’s getting better and better. I always tell my guys ‘we don’t want to peak right now, we want to keep getting better.’

Sidhu also said he was pleased with his pitcher’s ability to pitch in high-stress situations. In the second inning, Silva gave up three hits and threw two passed balls, but was able to keep the damage at just one run. 

“We battled through some adversity,” Sidhu said. “There was a momentum swing in the second or third inning when they had base runners on base. We kinda gave them that run with the pitch to the backstop. I think Silva settled down and made some big time pitches in big time situations.” 

The Mustangs added on six more runs while reliever Kenny Esposito shut down the Wolverines lineup over the last five innings. He allowed just three total base-runners and struck out five Sierra batters. 

The Los Medanos lineup has slowly begun to find their groove as the season progresses Sidhu said. He added that he anticipated it taking a little bit of time before his lineup got slugging at the plate. 

“It takes a little bit for hitters to start going in season,” Sidhu said. “The more live pitching they see, the better they get. The more pitching you see, the better you get as a hitter because then you understand the strikezone more. What gets you out, what doesn’t get you out, what’s your sweet spot, things like that.” 

The Mustangs now sit all alone in first place of the Bay Valley Conference with a 4-2 record on the season. The next home games are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8 against Cabrillo College and Thursday, Feb. 15 against Modesto Junior College.