Valencia 3, Valencia West Ranch 2

VALENCIA 3, VALENCIA WEST RANCH 2

Top contributors: Freshman Trey Williams of Valencia hit a home run. Scotland McKenzie of Valencia had an RBI single. Oregon-bound Dylan Jones of Valencia picked up the save.

The scoop: Jones got Jared Ortiz of West Ranch to line out with the bases loaded in the top of the seventh to preserve his team’s victory. Valencia took a 2-1 lead in the fifth when West Ranch pitcher Trevor Fredrickson was called for a balk with runners on second and third.

Why it matters: West Ranch was ranked No. 1 in the Southern Section Division I coaches’ poll. By winning, Valencia pulled into a first-place tie with the Wildcats in the Foothill League going into a rematch game on Friday at West Ranch.

Records: Valencia 17-6, 10-2; West Ranch 19-5, 10-2.

-- Eric Sondheimer