HAYWARD, CA – Menlo Baseball drove up to play against Cal State East Bay at Pioneer Baseball Field on Friday for game one of the three-game series. Menlo gave up an early deficit of 0-8 after the 2nd inning but a pep talk from Head Coach Alex Hoover pumped the Oaks up to rally back and almost pull off the comeback. The 9th inning left the Oaks hungry for another round of Baseball, now at their home field on Saturday.
Menlo Batters Make Big-Time Plays
The Pioneers took an early lead over the Oaks after the second inning before they were able to get the offense going. DJ Scott began the 4th with a single through the left side to get the first. Sage Pera was walked and Justin Flannery singled to right field to load up the bases for Sean Pettener. The third baseman decided to clear the bases with a 3-RBI triple to left center to put the Oaks on the board, 3-8.
The score remained 3-8 until the top of the 6th, 2 outs, when Pettener got himself on base with a walk. Jaden Fulsher hit the ball out of the park for his second 2-RBI homer of the 2024 season, his first taking place during the Corban series. This pushed the Oaks to a 5-8 deficit with momentum finishing the game.
One last effort in the 9th inning would put Menlo one run away from equalizing what seemed like an almost unthinkable comeback. Pinch hitter Jonathan Charbaneau began the rally with a single to left field to advance Jake Koeper who was walked. With two outs, DJ Scott made it on base after being hit by the pitch, once again loading the bases for the Oaks. Pera did his job and singled to left field for 2 RBI, making it 7-8 with more Menlo runners on base. Justin Flannery was down 1-2 in the count and fouled 2 balls off before hitting the ball hard at the Pioneers third baseman for an infield single and bases loaded. Unfortunately the Oaks would not find the way to score but were showing true determination in the end.
Freshman Pitcher Comfortable on the Mound
Anthony Tellez was the starting pitcher for the Oaks before the coaching staff decided to bring in right handed pitcher Landon Rowland. The freshman from Loomis, CA went 6 innings pitched, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts against the Pioneers. This is Rowlands second appearance this season and has shown impressive control on the mound and a speedy fastball. Menlo coaches are looking forward to seeing what Landon can do in his Oak career!
Up Next…
Menlo Baseball returns to Cartan Field for the second game of the three-game series with Cal State East Bay. First pitch is at 2pm with stream and live statistics available at Menloathletics.com.
