HAYWARD, CA – Menlo Baseball wrapped up their season-opening three-game series against Cal State East Bay with a hard-fought 5-9 loss on Sunday afternoon. Despite an early deficit, the Oaks showed resilience throughout the game, but the Pioneers' strong offensive execution proved too much to overcome.
Menlo's Leaders
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Carter Harris (2B): 1-for-3, 2 runs, 1 triple, 2 walks, 1 stolen base
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Zach Dyer (SS): 2-for-4, 1 run, 1 RBI
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Justin Flannery (RF): 1-for-5, 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 stolen base
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Chase Hilde (3B): 2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 hit-by-pitch
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Landon Rowland (P): 2.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 K
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Richard Kiel (P): 4.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 K
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Sam Grannes (P): 2.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 3 K
A Gritty Effort Falls Short
The game opened with a rough first inning for the Oaks, as the Pioneers jumped out to a 4-1 lead, capitalizing on early walks and defensive miscues. Menlo attempted to counter in the third inning with a run-scoring single from Dyer, but Cal State East Bay's pitching kept the Oaks from building momentum.
Menlo's offense found life in the sixth inning when Hilde and Flannery each drove in key runs, cutting the deficit to 6-4. However, the Pioneers responded with a three-run seventh inning, extending their lead to five runs. The Oaks continued to fight, with Harris scoring in the eighth after a leadoff triple, but the rally fell short as Cal State East Bay closed out the game with a strong defensive effort.
Up Next…
Despite the loss, Menlo's persistence and late-inning energy showcased their determination heading into their next matchup. The Oaks finish the series 2-1 and will look to bounce back in their next series beginning on Friday, February 14th in San Francisco, CA against the Gators of SF State at 2pm.
