MODESTO — The Gustine Reds broke through for their first victory of the season Friday night, using a fast start and a dominant midgame surge to defeat Modesto High 11–6 at John Thurman Field.

Gustine jumped ahead immediately in the top of the first, loading the bases on walks and hit batters before Eddie Lomeli cleared them with a deep drive to left for a three‑run double. Starter Joao Palomino worked a clean bottom half, inducing a groundout and pop‑up before stranding a runner to preserve the early lead.

The Reds kept the pressure on in the second inning, stretching the margin to 7–0 behind an RBI single from Luke Avila. Modesto threatened in the bottom of the inning when a dropped pop‑up at first appeared to open the door, but Gustine recovered to force an out at second and end the threat.

Modesto scored twice in the third on a leadoff double and a passed ball, but Gustine responded with its biggest inning of the night. Alex Quezada sparked a fourth‑inning rally with a hard grounder and stolen base, setting up a two‑run double from Frank Silvera. Avila followed with the highlight of the game — a line drive down the third‑base line that rolled into the corner, allowing him to circle the bases for a two‑run inside‑the‑park home run. The Reds exited the inning with an 11–2 advantage.

Avila took the mound in the fifth and battled through a shaky start, hitting two batters and committing a balk as Modesto cut the deficit to 11–5. He settled in quickly, striking out two straight to end the inning.

Gustine’s defense closed the door over the final two frames, with the game ending on a short pop‑up snagged by Daniel Navarro in the bottom of the seventh.

After the game, Coach Kenneth Barringer said he was pleased with the team’s effort.

“I’m really proud of the team,” he said. “Our guys came out and left it all on the field. We’re looking forward to the start of league play tomorrow.”

Avila, who delivered both at the plate and on the mound, called his inside‑the‑park home run “a dopamine rush” and said he was happy with how he rebounded on the hill.

“I haven’t done that in a long time, but you just have to have a short memory,” he said. “I gave up a couple in that first inning I pitched, but after that I was striking people out. It was a great game.”