ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Baseball completed its four-game series against Jessup University with a doubleheader at Cartan Field, but the Oaks could not overcome the Warriors' powerful offense, dropping both games in the PacWest matchup. Despite the setbacks, Menlo showcased bright moments, including a standout performance from Justin Flannery in his debut at third base.
Menlo's Standout Performers
Throughout the doubleheader, several Oaks made key contributions at the plate, in the field, and on the mound:
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Justin Flannery – 4-for-8, 3B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 runs
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Jaden Fulsher - 2-for-8, 2 RBI
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Bradley Morris - 1-for-4, 2 RBI, HR
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Samuel Brewer - 2-for-3
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Matt Morrison - 1-for-4, 2 RBI, sacrifice fly
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Jake Warkentien - 1-for-4, 1 RBI (Game 2)
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Carter Harris - 0-for-2, 2 BB, 1 run
Game 1: Menlo 8 - 13 Jessup
In the first game of the doubleheader, Jessup University capitalized on consistent hitting, tallying 13 runs on 13 hits. Menlo fought hard at the plate, and were even the first to score today with a single up the middle from Jaden Fulsher to start things off in the 1st inning. A sacrifice fly from Matt Morrison scored Jake Warkentien and made the score 2-3, staying within reaching distance. Bradley Morris evened up the score at 4's with a 2 RBI homer over the right field fence in the 4th to make this game competitive. Justin Flannery, who debuted at third base for the first time in his Oak career, then followed that up in the 4th with a triple to left center to bring in the go-ahead run. However the Warriors responded in the following innings and scored 9 more runs. A late burst of energy in the 9th from Flannery and Fulsher could not push the Oaks to a victory. The Oaks collected 10 hits, including a home run, but could not keep pace with the Warriors' offensive pressure. The Warriors struck early and often, scoring in six different innings to secure the victory.
Pitching staff struggled to tame the fierce Warriors batters. Sam Grannes got the start and pitched for 3.0 innings and struck one batter out before Wesley Payne came in relief. Payne went 3.0 innings as well and earned 3 strikeouts. Appearances from Donovan Kerr and Nick Liechty for an inning each could not get anything going.
Game 2: Menlo 2 - 11 Jessup
The series finale saw the Warriors jump ahead early once again, putting up six runs in the first two innings and adding four more late in the game. Menlo struggled to string together consistent offense against Jessup's pitching staff but managed a highlight moment when Justin Flannery launched a home run over the left field fence after a hard day of work on defense at third. His efforts on both sides of the ball were a bright spot in an otherwise tough outing for the Oaks. Jake Warkentien singled up the middle to score Carter Harris in the 6th inning but the deficit was too far out of reach.
Anthony Tellez owned the mound for 6.0 IP and struck out 8 Warrior batters while only managing to walk 2. After 7 earned runs and over 100 pitches clocked in, Charles Williams made an appearance but struggled for 0.1 innings. Brendan Moreno would be the one to close out the final 0.2 innings.
Up Next….
Despite the losses, Menlo looks to regroup as they move forward in PacWest play for another home series against Chaminade University, starting with a doubleheader on Friday, March 14th at 11am.
