COSTA MESA, CA – Menlo Baseball faced a tough challenge against a red-hot Vanguard offense in their final doubleheader on Thursday. The Oaks showed flashes of strong hitting but ultimately could not capitalize on scoring opportunities, leaving multiple runners stranded throughout both games. Even in the final inning of Game 2, Menlo had the bases loaded with a chance to drive in the tying and winning runs, but the timely hit never came.
Despite the frustrating results, the Oaks had some bright spots at the plate and on the mound. Menlo's offense put runners on in nearly every inning, proving they could match up against the Lions' pitching, but Vanguard's ability to escape jams made the difference. The Oaks will look to turn things around in their next matchup as they continue PacWest play.
Menlo's Standout Performers
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Ramone Valenzuela: 3-6, 1 RBI, 1 walk (Game 1 & 2)
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Jaden Fulsher: 2-3, 1 run, 1 stolen base (Game 1)
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Matt Morrison: 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 walk (Game 1)
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Braydon Allie: 1-3, 2 runs, 1 walk (Game 1)
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Lakin Anderson: 2-2, 1 walk (Game 2)
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Richard Kiel: 6.0 IP, 3 K, 1 BB, 3 ER, 4 H
Game 1: Menlo 3 - 9 Vanguard
Menlo started strong in Game 1, jumping out to a 3-0 lead by the third inning thanks to timely hitting and disciplined at-bats. Braydon Allie and Jaden Fulsher sparked the offense, setting the table for Ramone Valenzuela, who drove in a run with a single. A sacrifice fly by Jayshaun Wise extended the early lead, giving Menlo some much-needed momentum. One more single from Matt Morrison in the 3rd would score the Oaks final run of the game.
However, Vanguard responded with a massive fourth inning, plating eight runs to take control of the game. The Lions launched two home runs and strung together multiple extra-base hits to flip the script on the Oaks. Menlo struggled to recover offensively, going scoreless the rest of the way despite putting runners on base in nearly every inning. Vanguard tacked on an insurance run in the seventh to seal the win.
Game 2: Menlo 0 - 3 Vanguard
The second game of the doubleheader was a much closer affair, with Menlo's pitcher Ricahrd Kiel keeping things tight throughout. Kiel went another complete game this week, going 6.0 IP and earning 3 strikeouts, only 1 walk, and 3 earned runs off of 4 hits. Vanguard struck first with two runs in the second inning off an RBI double and a single. The Oaks threatened multiple times, putting runners in scoring position in the third, fifth, and sixth innings but failing to come up with the big hit.
Menlo's best chance came in the seventh and final inning when Ramone Valenzuela and Carter Harris started the frame with back-to-back singles. After a fielder's choice, Matt Morrison added another single to load the bases with two outs. However, Vanguard's closer shut the door with a strikeout, ending Menlo's rally attempt and securing the Lions' 3-0 victory.
Up Next….
Despite the sweep, Menlo showed they can generate offense and put pressure on opposing teams. Cleaning up their situational hitting and converting scoring chances will be key as they move forward in PacWest play on Monday, March 24th at 11am at Cartan Field when they take on Hawaii Pacific!
