ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball hosted another doubleheader at Wunderlich field against GSAC foe, the Firestorm of Arizona Christian. The Firestorm came out swinging for the fences and ended game one in 5 innings after ending it, 1-11. Game two was much closer with the Oaks cutting the score to a two-run deficit in the 6th inning. The late rally would not be enough to overcome the Arizona Christian lead and the Firestorm closed things out, 2-4. It is a short weekend for Menlo as they host Northwestern Nazarene on Monday for another day of Softball!
Game 1: Menlo 1 - 11 Arizona Christian
Menlo's lone run of the morning came early in the 1st inning. Lead-off hitter Jolena Velasquez singled up the middle to start off the game. First base Bella Cortez followed with a double through the left side to advance Velasquez to third base. Freshman Alyssa Donovan was in the four hole up to bat next and she had runners in scoring position with one out. A single through the left side was enough to bring Velasquez home and get the Oaks on the board. At the time the score would stand 1-3 and would stand that way until the 3rd inning when the Firestorm really began to pick it up in the batter's box. By the 5th inning, Arizona Christian was ahead 1-11, implementing the mercy rule.
Game 2: Menlo 2 - 4 Arizona Christian
Game two was made much more exciting however it took until the 6th inning for the Oaks to pull it off. A 3-run homer and a RBI single put the Firestorm ahead 4-0 going into the bottom of the 6th. The Oaks earned 6 hits total before the 6th but were not able to bring any runs home but a two-out rally would give the Oaks some energy to get on the board. Grace Tuiteleleapaga reached on a fielder's choice and immediately had Sofia Quintero pinch run. Quintero would score the very next play thanks to a Velasquez triple to right field. And just like game one, Bella Cortez stepped up to the plate and doubled to right center field to bring in Velasquez once again and give Menlo some hope for a comeback. Unfortunately, the Firestorm would substitute in all-star pitcher Savannah Smith to save the day and earn the win.
Shelby White would go the full game in the circle for game two. Across the 7.0 innings pitched, the junior totaled 2 strikeouts, 1 walk, 4 earned runs, and 0 wild pitches.
Up Next…..
Menlo Softball is back at Wunderlich field on Monday, March 25 at 12pm for another doubleheader! Stream and stats will be available at Menloathletics.com.
