ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Baseball struggled to contain Hawaii Pacific's powerful hitting on Monday, dropping both games of their doubleheader at Cartan Field. The Sharks' offense struck early in both contests and never looked back, while the Oaks had opportunities to respond but left too many runners stranded.
Despite the tough results, Menlo showed fight at the plate, tallying multiple extra-base hits and putting runners in scoring position throughout the series. However, key strikeouts and double plays halted their rallies, allowing Hawaii Pacific to maintain control. The Oaks will look to rebound as they continue their series on Tuesday.
Menlo's Key Players
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Lakin Anderson: 1-4, 2 RBI, a triple (Game 1)
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Matt Morrison: 3-5, a run scored, a walk, a double (Game 1 & 2)
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Samuel Brewer: 2-4, a run scored, a double (Game 1)
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Jayshaun Wise: 1-4, a double (Game 1)
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Braydon Allie: 1-5, a double (Game 1)
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Brandon Moreno: 5.0 IP, 5 K, 3 BB, 3 R, 5 H (Game 1)
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Richard Kiel: 5.2 IP, 2 K, 3 BB, 7 R, 7 H (Game 2)
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Matthew Verdugo: 1.1 IP, 3 K, 3 BB, 1 R, 3 H
Game 1 Recap: Hawaii Pacific 7, Menlo 2
Hawaii Pacific struck first in Game 1, launching a three-run homer in the third inning to take an early lead. The Sharks added three more in the fourth on another home run, extending their advantage to 6-0. Menlo's offense struggled to respond, leaving multiple runners on base in the first and third innings. The Oaks finally broke through in the eighth, as Matt Morrison and Samuel Brewer set the table with back-to-back singles. Lakin Anderson stepped up to the plate and delivered a two-run single to left field and capitalized on a defensive error to make it to third base and clear the bases. However, Hawaii Pacific's bullpen shut down the rally, closing out the game and securing a 2-7 victory.
Chase Barsotti started on the mound for the Oaks and pitched through 3 innings, striking one Shark batter out, white allowing 4 hits, 4 runs, and walking 3. Brandon Moreno pitched for 5.0 innings in relief and was able to strike out 5 more Sharks during his time. Scott Beadles would close out the final inning with a walk and a strikeout.
Game 2 Recap: Hawaii Pacific 8, Menlo 0
The second game followed a similar script, with Hawaii Pacific jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning before tacking on insurance runs in the fifth and sixth. Menlo had multiple chances to respond, including a bases-loaded opportunity in the sixth inning, but a strikeout ended the threat. Hawaii Pacific pulled away with a five-run sixth inning, putting the game out of reach. The Oaks were held scoreless despite strong at-bats from Braydon Allie, Justin Flannery, and Matt Morrison, who each reached base multiple times. Ultimately, Menlo couldn't overcome the Sharks' dominant pitching, getting shut out in Game 2.
Richard Kiel would get the start in Game 2 and was able to last through 5.2 innings. In that time, he struck out 2 batters while allowing 7 hits, 7 runs, and 3 walks. The freshman Matthew Verdugo pitched 1.1 inning in relief and was very productive, striking out 3 batters and only allowing 3 hits, 1 run, and 3 walks.
Up Next….
The Oaks will look to regroup as they prepare for their games against the Sharks of Hawaii Pacific happening on Tuesday, March 25th starting at 11am at Cartan Field.
