Monterey, CA-To conclude the season the boys of Menlo Baseball hit the road for one last game against CSU Monterey. The team took the trip down the coast to face off against the NCAA Division II opponent and submitted a good effort against their opponent to wrap up the year!
Hot Start in the First
The Oaks wasted no time getting on the scoreboard with a quick three runs scored in the first inning. Menlo's first few batters were disciplined at the plate with the duo of Carter Harris and DJ Scott both drawing walks. Starting first baseman Ethan Baird would then step to the plate and rocket a single through the right side to drive in two runs. Shortstop Jayshuan Wise would then make solid contact to push the ball deep enough for a sacrifice fly that would score a third run. The team would go on to score three more runs on the day highlighted by Jake Koeper and Sage Pera doing what they have done all season long. It would be fitting that Pera's last RBI of the season would come via the long ball. His last at-bat as an Oak, in the ninth inning, would see the team's most dangerous bat send one out of the park. While it may not have ended the way Menlo fans would have hoped, it was a fitting end to the career of not just an outstanding player but an outstanding young man's career in Menlo blue!
Pair of Relievers Deal Late in the Game
On the mound the pair of Sam Grannes and Anthony Tellez would rally the pitching staff over the last four or so innings to help the team climb back into the game. The duo would combine for six strikeouts, three apiece, while only allowing two hits! Grannes and Tellez stymied the Otters offense through much of the game. Monetery had no answer for the duo who would never score again after the fourth inning.
Up Next…
The season has now ended and unfortunately the team will not be heading to the postseason. Regardless, the boys of Cartan Field have given us some outstanding memories this season. Their epic series against The Master's that finished with three straight Menlo walk-off victories was a glimpse into this team's high level potential. Seeing seniors finish their careers with great individual seasons such as Sage Pera and Ethan Baird brings a smile to any fan's face. There is no doubt that coaches Hoover and Verlin will get right back to work and continue to build the program for the transition to NCAA Division II!
