Lancaster Falls at Modesto, 9-3

Catcher Rafael Lopez had two hits, including a run-scoring single, but Modesto defeated Lancaster, 9-3, in front of 2,327 Friday night at Modesto in a California League game.

Lopez threw out three baserunners in four steal attempts.

Modesto is 35-14 and leads the league, while Lancaster, at 18-31, continues to falter and is in last place.

*

Up next: At Modesto, tonight-Sunday; at the Hangar, vs. Modesto, Tuesday-Thursday.

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Scanning Thursday’s box scores:

Triple A--First baseman Brad Fullmer (Montclair Prep) hit his fourth home run for Ottawa (Expos). . . . Second baseman J.P. Roberge (St. Francis) homered for Omaha (Royals).

Double A--Catcher Stacy Kleiner (Taft) had two hits, including a home run, and two runs batted in for Arkansas (Cardinals).

Class A--Modesto (Athletics) right-hander Wayne Nix (Monroe) improved to 3-2 by striking out two and giving up two hits over five innings in a 15-1 victory over Bakersfield. . . . Center fielder Junior Brignac (Cleveland) had four hits and two RBIs for Macon (Braves). . . . First baseman Jon Schaeffer (Harvard-Westlake) hit his fifth home run for Quad City (Twins). . . . Reliever Tim Carr (Westlake) struck out two in 2 1/3 scoreless innings for Capital City (Mets).