COSTA MESA, CA – Menlo Baseball is on Spring Break this week and decided to engage in a competitive showdown against Vanguard University, with both teams showcasing strong offensive performances. Despite keeping pace with the Lions' powerful lineup, the Oaks fell just short in both games of the doubleheader, stranding the game-tying and winning runs on base in the final innings.

Statistical Leaders & Key Moments

Game 1:

• Jaden Fulsher: 2-for-5, 4 RBIs, a HR, a double

• Jayshaun Wise: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, a HR, two runs scored

• Bradley Morris: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, a HR, two runs scored

• Braydon Allie: 2-for-5, a triple, RBI, two runs scored

• Chase Barsotti (starter): 3.2 IP, 6 K, 1 BB, 2 ER, 6 H, 7 R

• Nolan Rodriguez (relief): 2.0 IP, 4 K, 1 H, 3 ER, 3 BB 

• Menlo Offense: 9 runs on 12 hits, but left key runners on base in late innings

Game 2:

• Braydon Allie: 1-for-3, a double, 2 RBIs, hit by pitch

• Matt Morrison: 1-for-3, 2 RBIs, a walk

• Samuel Brewer: 1-for-3, a run scored, hit by pitch

• Anthony Tellez (starter): 5.0 IP, 3 K, 1 BB, 9 H, 5 ER

• Sam Grannes (relief): 1.0 IP, 1 BB, 4 batters faced in final inning

Game 1: Menlo 9 - 12 Vanguard

Menlo wasted no time getting on the board in the first inning, as Braydon Allie ripped an RBI triple down the right field line, followed by a Jaden Fulsher RBI double to give the Oaks an early 2-0 lead. However, Vanguard responded immediately, capitalizing on a hit-by-pitch and a wild pitch to tie the game at 2-2 in the bottom half of the inning.

After trading runs through the middle innings, Menlo looked poised to take control in the 4th when Jayshaun Wise hit a two-run homer to go ahead 4-2. After the Lions went ahead in the bottom of the 4th, Jaden Fulsher launched a three-run home run to left field in the 5th, tying the game at 7-7. But Vanguard answered right back with a two-run inning of their own to regain the lead. The Lions extended their advantage with a three-run homer in the 6th, putting the Oaks in a five-run deficit. Menlo showed resilience in the 7th, with Bradley Morris delivering a two-run home run to cut the deficit to 9-12. The Oaks were unable to capitalize on baserunners in the final two innings, as Vanguard's bullpen shut the door to seal the win.

On the mound, Menlo's pitching staff had to work around early trouble, as starter Chase Barsotti lasted 3.2 innings, allowing seven runs (only two earned) while striking out six. Donovan Kerr and Nolan Rodriguez provided relief, but the bullpen couldn't completely stifle Vanguard's bats. The Lions took advantage of a few defensive miscues, leading to multiple unearned runs that proved costly. Despite the final score, the Menlo staff showed flashes of effectiveness, particularly in the later innings when they retired seven of the final nine batters faced.

Game 2: Menlo 4 - 6 Vanguard

Vanguard jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in Game 2, using a combination of timely hitting and a defensive miscue to put the Oaks in a tough spot. Menlo responded in the 3rd inning, with Braydon Allie delivering a two-run double and Matt Morrison following with a two-run single to tie the game at 4-4. The Lions, however, regained the lead in the 4th with a sacrifice fly and added an insurance run in the 5th.

Despite being held scoreless after the 3rd inning, the Oaks continued to battle. In the 7th, trailing 6-4, Menlo loaded the bases with one out, putting the tying run at second and the go-ahead run at first. However, Vanguard's pitching came through once again, forcing two clutch outs to leave the Oaks stranded.

Menlo's pitching staff rebounded well after the early deficit, keeping the Lions in check for the latter half of the game. Starter Anthony Tellez allowed six runs (five earned) over four innings while striking out three, but it was the bullpen that gave the Oaks a chance to rally. Sam Grannes pitched for a shutout inning, allowing just one walk and no hits through 4 batters. His ability to keep Menlo within striking distance nearly paid off, but the Oaks couldn't push across the runs they needed in the final frame.

Up Next…

The Oaks will look to build on their offensive momentum and strong bullpen outings as they continue their PacWest series with the Vanguard Lions tomorrow, Thursday, March 20th with another doubleheader starting at 12pm!