ATHERTON, CA

A 3-run rally in the bottom of the 9th came up just short for the Oaks, who ended the opening weekend of the 2023 season with a 2-1 record.

Offensively, the star of the game for Menlo was second baseman Anthony Masetti. In 5 at-bats, the senior from Redwood City, California totaled 3 hits and 3 runs batted in. His first RBI came in the bottom of the 6th, when his double to right field scored Blake Dompier. Then, in the bottom of the 9th, he knocked in the 2nd and 3rd runs of the Oaks' rally with a single to center that scored Zach Dyer and Erik Quinzon. Defensively, Masetti is settling into his new role on the other side of the middle infield, having moved from shortstop to second base in the offseason.

Menlo's starter, Sean Riley Moran, had a solid performance on the mound. In 5.1 innings, Moran threw 69 pitches to 17 batters, allowing just 2 hits and 1 unearned run. The junior right-hander from Bakersfield, California will look to keep rolling in his second start of the season next weekend.

Australian reliever Richard Kiel put in a solid inning of work in the 7th. He got through the inning in just 8 pitches, striking out 1 batter and allowing no hits or runs. In 4.0 innings pitched so far this season, Kiel has 3 strikeouts and has allowed just 1 run. 

Menlo will play 3 games against CSU East Bay next week. The teams will play standalone games in Hayward on Friday, February 3rd and Sunday, February 5th. On Saturday, February 4th, the teams will meet in Atherton for a single game.