Aki Buckson homered and Alex Valasek pitched a complete-game four-hitter as San Rafael snapped a seven-game skid with Friday night’s 13-1 home victory over Bakersfield.

The victory pushed San Rafael (12-6) back to the top of the Pecos League Pacific Division standings, a half game ahead of Martinez (12-7), before their showdown Sunday afternoon at Albert Park.

Buckson’s third homer of the season, a solo shot, came during a five-run fifth inning to hlep push the Pacifics’ lead to 12-0.

Kyle Guerra was 4-for-5 and Jairahme Morales was 3-for-5 with three RBIs and two runs scored. John Bicos and Mark Hernandez each had three hits.

Valasek carried the day at the plate and on the mound. He drove in three runs and scored one run for the Pacifics. He struck out 12 batters, while he walked five for the win.

• NorCal Black 2026 U17 squad was hot off the bat in a 12-6 win over The Rock in Pleasant Hill on Saturday. With the bases loaded, Redwood High’s Ethan Ferry scored from third base on a wild pitch to kick off a five-run first inning for NorCal (3-1). Andrew Flores scored on a single from Noah Flores and sharp running scored three more runs in the inning. Novato High’s Owen VonBehren hit an RBI-single and a two-run double for NorCal. The NorCal Black wrapped up the day with a 11-3 victory over the NorCal Aces, powered by a five-run fifth inning. Caden Bolin-Percy drove in four NorCal Black runs.

Water polo

Redwood High grad Charlie Mills had seven saves in the cage but the USA Men’s Junior National Team lost its opener Saturday at the U20 World Championships, falling 19-10 to host Croatia. Team USA faces Hungary as pool play continues Sunday.

Golf

Marin Catholic golfer Theo Anderson shot a 1-over 71 to tie for 20th place Thursday after the second day of a NorCal Junior Tour Summer Series event at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento.