Just because it's Spring Break at local high schools this week, doesn't mean spring sports teams are taking a break.

The Spanish Springs baseball team kicked off action yesterday in the first game of a three-day road trip in California.

The Cougars faced off with Del Oro Monday but came away with a 15-11 loss after the Loomis, Calif. school scored eight runs in the bottom of the third to take the lead for good.

Spanish Springs was feeling good about itself after erasing a 7-0 deficit with an eight-run rally in the top of third to grab an 8-7 lead.

Humberto Espinoza knocked a two-run homer out of the park as part of his three-hit performance and Anthony Vierra capped the rally with a two-out grand slam after he led off the inning with a strikeout.

However, Del Oro was just too much for a Cougars squad that had limited pitching available due to a league series this past Friday and Saturday.

A couple walks set the tone for the bottom of the third as Del Oro rapped out six of its 11 hits in the inning and never trailed again.

Spanish Springs added a single run in the fourth and two more in the sixth, but that was as close as the Purple and Teal would get.

Jake Bray, Tanner Oates and Vierra all had two hits apiece for the Cougars.

Spanish Springs still has games at Center High School and Whitney High School today and Wednesday.

"You don't know anything about them, but it's still fun to go out and play different teams," SSHS assistant baseball coach Ben Hofmann said."

Most of the heavy action heats up toward the end of the week with Spanish Springs and Reed softball participating in tournaments.

But Rail City baseball fans will get a chance to see Sparks in action today versus Incline in non-league action. First pitch is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on the Railroaders' home field.

However, Sparks softball fans will have to go out to Silver Stage to see their team play Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

For those who need a quick softball fix, Reed will host its annual Easter tournament Friday and Saturday. Twelve teams will participate.

Reed softball coach Ray Charles said he would have liked to go out of town for another tournament, but the change in spring break made it the same time as the Raiders' Easter tournament.

Still, there are some plusses for staying in the area.

"It kind of gives us some time to get healthy, get everybody in some games, and kind of see what the second half is going to be like," Charles said.

Only one team is participating in league action this week, and that's the Sparks boys golf squad, which is in Dayton Thursday. Spanish Springs and Reed golf is off from tournament action this week.

Also on Thursday, the Spanish Springs softball team opens a tournament in Livermore, Calif. against Clayton Valley of Concord, Calif. On Friday, the Cougars will challenge Foothill of Pleasanton and the tourney concludes Saturday.

Reed track and field will travel to Loomis for the Del Oro Invitational Friday, while Sparks is scheduled to compete at McQueen's invite Saturday.