HAYWARD, CA -– Menlo Baseball kicked off their season with a historic milestone, securing their first-ever NCAA Division II victory with a dramatic 9-7 comeback win over Cal State East Bay on Friday afternoon. Despite trailing early in the game, the Oaks remained resilient and stormed back in the ninth inning, sealing their place in the program's history with an unforgettable season opener.
Oak Leaders
Today's victory could not have been pulled off without the help of the Oaks below.
-
Justin Flannery (RF): 2-for-5, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, 1 stolen base
-
Zach Dyer (3B): 2-for-4, 1 run, 2 RBIs, 1 double
-
Braydon Allie (C): 2-for-2, 2 RBIs, 1 sacrifice fly, 1 walk
-
Chase Hilde (DH): 1-for-4, 2 runs, 1 triple
-
Trey Silva (P): 5.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R (3 ER), 3 K
-
Matthew Verdugo (P): Winning pitcher, 0.1 IP, 1 K
-
Anthony Tellez (P): Save, 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB
Menlo's Resilient Comeback
Menlo started off cautiously, managing just a single run through the first five innings while the Pioneers built an early 4-1 lead. However, the Oaks found their spark in the sixth inning with a two-run surge, tightening the deficit to 4-3. Cal State East Bay responded with a three-run eighth inning, appearing to put the game out of reach at 7-3.
Entering the ninth inning, Menlo needed a miracle—and they delivered in spectacular fashion. The Oaks loaded the bases early before a clutch two-run single by Allie cut the deficit to two. Flannery followed up with a two-RBI hit of his own, tying the game at 7-7. With momentum on their side, Dyer delivered the go-ahead double, bringing home the eventual game-winning run. By the time the dust settled, Menlo had erupted for six runs in the final inning to take a commanding 9-7 lead.
On the mound, Verdugo secured the win with a key strikeout to end the eighth, while Tellez came in to close the door in the ninth, retiring the side in order and sealing Menlo's landmark victory.
Up Next….
The Oaks will look to build on their momentum as they continue their season-opening series against Cal State East Bay tomorrow on Saturday, February 8th at 1pm at Menlo College's Cartan Baseball Field.
