ATHERTON, CA

Menlo went 1-1 on a chilly Saturday in Atherton, taking the first game of the day by a score of 9-8 and dropping the second 8-0. Their overall record is 4-6.

Game 1: Menlo 9 - 8 Simpson University (10 Innings)

The first game of the day was an emotional rollercoaster, with the Oaks going from a 3-run lead in the bottom of the 5th to a 2-run deficit in the top of the 9th to a 1-run victory in the bottom of the 10th.

Menlo sprang out to a 3-run lead with 4 runs in the bottom of the 2nd. Catcher Jaxon Hotta got the ball rolling with an RBI single that brought Jonathan Charboneau across the plate. Soon after, center fielder Erik Quinzon brought Raymond Garcia home with an RBI single of his own. A throwing error and a passed ball later, 2 more Oaks had crossed home plate.

In other offensive highlights, Sean Pettener hit his second double of the season in the bottom of the 4th, scoring Hotta. Then, in the bottom of the 5th, Anthony Masetti hit his second home run of the season, a solo shot that put the Oaks up by 3. Heads-up baserunning in the bottom of the 9th brought Menlo level at 8-8, with 2 runs scoring on passed balls. Then, in the bottom of the 10th, Raymond Garcia scored a walk-off run on another passed ball to give Menlo the win. 

On the mound, Australian Richard Kiel had a stellar day in relief of starter Sean Riley Moran. In 3.2 innings of work, Kiel allowed no hits or runs while walking just 1 batter and striking out 2. One of the most important players on the roster from a leadership perspective, Kiel is a cornerstone upon which the Oaks' bullpen is built.

Game 2: Menlo 0 - 8 Simpson University

The second game of the day was not as successful for Menlo, though there were a few notable performances. One came from senior Erik Quinzon, who has carved out a regular spot in the Menlo outfield this season. In this game, he went 3-4 with a double, his second 2-bagger of the season. Batting from the second spot in the Oaks' lineup, Quinzon provided a steady offensive presence for a team hunting for runs.

Sophomore Taylor Yuki contributed a solid 3.0 innings of work out of the bullpen, facing 14 batters and allowing just 3 hits and 1 earned run. He also notched 2 strikeouts. Senior Evan Wilcox pitched the final 1.1 innings of the game, allowing just 1 hit and no runs or walks while also tallying a strikeout. 

Up Next

Menlo will take the show on the road next week, starting with a standalone game against CSU Stanislaus on Tuesday, February 14th. First pitch in Turlock, California is scheduled for 5:00 PM. Then, Menlo opens its GSAC season with 3 games against OUAZ in Surprise, Arizona. The Oaks and the Spirit will play a doubleheader on Thursday, February 16th, followed by a single game on Friday, February 17th.