Bruin ballplayers lost, 3-2, to Linden in a varsity away game on Friday, March 18, but it was a very close contest and probably the best game they have played so far this year, said their coach Mike Carrigg.

Linden is the defending champion in its section and undefeated this season so it was no disgrace to lose.

Riverbank High School pitcher Drew Villalobos gave up only five hits. The Bruins made an error in the second inning and another in the fourth, each of which gave Linden a run.

"Without those errors I feel we would have won," said Carrigg.

The Bruins scored in the second inning and again in the fourth.

"In the first inning, Villalobos got a base hit and it looked as if Ted Seguira would score but he was thrown out at home plate," said Carrigg.

Riverbank also lost by 6-3 to Bret Harte in a home game on Wednesday.

Pleased with its tough performance against the much bigger Linden school, however, the Riverbank team feels very positive as it goes into its Trans Valley League opener against Ripon Christian today in an away game scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

The Bruins will also play Hughson at home on Thursday, and start a four-day American Easter Tournament on Monday, during the school's spring break.