LINCOLN, CA
The Oaks traveled northwest for a midweek game against the Northern California-rival Warriors on Wednesday, but came up short in an 11-1 defeat. Their overall record is now 7-30.
Small-Ball Success
Menlo's run came in the top of the 5th inning by way of a string of well-executed offensive moves. First, catcher Jaxon Hotta walked, and was replaced by pinch runner Cooper Paulino at first base. Then, first baseman Jake Koeper delivered a productive out with a groundout that moved Paulino to second base.Â
Center fielder Erik Quinzon contributed a crisp single through the right side, allowing Paulino to progress to third base. The sequence climaxed in the next at-bat, when shortstop Zach Dyer's bunt single brought Paulino across home plate. It was Dyer's 20th hit of the season, and his 13th RBI. The run scored was Paulino's 13th of the year.
Following the theme of baseball's nuances, the Oaks' base-on-balls master, Anthony Masetti, drew his team-leading 27th walk of the season in the top of the 1st inning. His nearest competitor in the walk category is third baseman Sean Pettener, with 16.
King Richard
The Oaks' best pitching performance came from the ever-reliable Richard Kiel, who appeared on the mound for the bottom of the 8th inning. Across 14 pitches, Kiel retired all 3 batters he faced, striking out 2.Â
Kiel's season strikeout total is now 33, the highest among Menlo relief pitchers. His 41.1 innings pitched are second only to starter Brock Moore's 48.1.
Up Next
The regular season will come to a close at Cartan Field this weekend, with the Vanguard University Lions coming to Atherton for a 3-game series. The teams will play a doubleheader on Friday, April 21st, with first pitch at 11:00 AM PT. The following day, a single game, also starting at 11:00 AM PT, will be preceded by a ceremony honoring the team's 12 graduating seniors.
