SANTA CLARA, CA – Menlo Baseball wrapped up its four-game series against Chaminade University on Sunday, splitting the final doubleheader with a nail-biting finish. The Oaks were at Mission College and took Game 1 in commanding fashion, securing a 6-1 victory behind a complete-game gem from Richard Kiel. Game 2 was a tightly contested battle, but Menlo came up just short, leaving the tying run stranded at third in the final frame.
Statistical Leaders & Key Moments
Game 1:
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Richard Kiel: Complete-game win, 7 strikeouts, 1 earned run, 0 walks
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Braydon Allie: 1-for-4, 3 RBIs, clutch 3-run double in the 5th
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Jaden Fulsher: 1-4, 1 RBI, scored once, a double
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Jayshaun Wise: Solo home run in the 5th to tie the game
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Justin Flannery: 1-3, scored once, a double
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Samuel Brewer: Reached base twice, scored twice
Game 2:
Game 1: Menlo 6 - 1 Chaminade
Chaminade struck first in the top of the 5th with a solo home run, giving the Silverswords a 1-0 lead. However, that did not shake starting right-handed pitcher Richard Kiel as Menlo wasted no time responding. In the bottom half of the inning, Jayshaun Wise tied the game with a solo shot over the left center fence before the Oaks exploded for three more runs on a bases-clearing double by Braydon Allie up the right field line.
With a 4-1 lead, Kiel continued his masterful outing, allowing just one baserunner over the final four innings. Menlo tacked on two insurance runs in the 8th, with Jaden Fulsher and Matthew Zarriello each driving in a run to seal the 6-1 victory. Kiel's efficiency on the mound was key, as he kept Chaminade hitters off balance and worked quickly through innings, throwing a complete game on just over 100 pitches. His performance marked the first complete game of the season for the Oaks and set the tone for the team's confidence heading into the series finale.
Game 2: Menlo 0 - 1 Chaminade
Game 2 saw both teams locked in a pitching duel. Chaminade scratched across an unearned run in the 3rd inning on an error, and that proved to be the difference. Menlo had several opportunities to even the score, including a prime chance in the bottom of the 7th when Jaden Fulsher reached third base with two outs. However, the Oaks couldn't push across the tying run, ultimately falling 0-1.
Braydon Allie continued his strong day at the plate with a pair of hits, and Justin Flannery provided a spark with a stolen base and a hit. The Oaks' lineup made solid contact throughout the game but struggled to string together hits at key moments. The late-inning rally nearly mirrored the previous day's dramatic comeback win, but this time, Chaminade's bullpen was able to shut the door. Despite the loss, Menlo's pitching was solid, holding Chaminade to just five hits and one run. Landon Rowland got the start on the mound in Game 2 and went 4.0 innings, striking 2 Silversword batters out and only walking one. Wesley Payne would pitch in relief for 3.0 innings and do his job by earning pop-flies and ground outs.
Up Next….
Menlo will look to carry their momentum from Game 1 into their next series in a week beginning on Wednesday, March 19th with a doubleheader against the Lions of Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA starting at 12pm.
