RESERVE — Riverside took a major step toward securing the District 10-2A championship after besting host Newman by the 10-run rule in a rare Sunday night game, 10-0, in six-innings.

Mason Vicknair dominated on the mound, recording a one-hitter and shutout while striking out 11 batters.

It was a statement win for Riverside, which has now won eight straight games. Newman is ranked No. 9 in the state in Class 2A power rankings, while the Rebels have closed within two of that spot with the victory, ranked at 11.

The two teams will rematch 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Newman and wrap up the season series 4 p.m. Sunday at Riverside. If the Rebels win either game, they will earn outright honors as district champion.

“”Mason threw a heck of a game for us,” Riverside coach Frank Cazeaux said.

“Once we got a couple of runs, we felt pretty good. We didn’t think they’d score two on Mason, let alone three to win, (considering) the way he pitched.”

Evan Veron was 1 for 2 with two RBIs. Vicknair walked in all four of his plate appearances, resulting in four runs. Jordan Loving, Brandon Morris and Drake Perret each drove in runs as well for Riverside.

Riverside collected just four hits, but drew 10 walks and continually put the ball in play, contributing to five Newman errors.

Pitcher Cass Lapeyre took his first loss of the season for the Greenies. He allowed four unearned runs in three innings. He allowed one hit, walked four and struck out two.

Despite a rain-compromised schedule, Riverside’s performance over its eight-game win streak has been remarkably consistent.

The Rebels have scored 10 runs or more in each of the victories and allowed three runs or less in each game. Five of the eight wins have come against teams with .500 records or better, and it has outscored its opponents in the eight games 92-10.

“Hitting is contagious,” Cazeaux offered. “We played so many strong teams early that it really made us ready for this stretch run. From Mason Vicknair to Jordan Loving to, honestly, everyone on our staff, I feel like they’re evolving into complete pitchers. As long as we play well defensively, we’ve got a shot.”

That defense has improved as the season has gone on. Cazeaux especially is pleased with the play of his outfield, featuring Tyler Gauthier, T.J. St. Pierre and Kameron Bailey.

“Those guys can each throw and they can really run,” Cazeaux said. “That’s pretty big, because we’ll be playing in some big parks coming up. Those guys can play with anyone.”

After so many rainouts this season, this week is a packed one for the Rebels as they make up a number of games. RA is in the midst of a stretch of seven games in eight days including Sunday night’s battle. RA will play Newman today, Haynes Thursday, Vandebilt Catholic Friday and Loranger Saturday before a final district faceoff with Newman.