AZUSA, CA – Menlo Baseball battled in a wild doubleheader against NCAA Division II and PacWest powerhouse Azusa Pacific on Friday afternoon, splitting the series with an explosive bounce-back in Game 2 after a challenging opener.
Oak Leaders:
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Samuel Brewer: 3-for-7, 5 runs, 2 RBI, 1 double, 1 home run
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Matt Morrison: 3-for-6, 3 RBI, 3 runs scored
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Jaden Fulsher: 4-for-9, 6 RBI, 3 runs scored, 1 double, 1 home run
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Bradley Morris: 3-for-3, 3 RBI, 1 run scored
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Justin Flannery: 3-for-4, 1 RBI, 3 runs scored, a double
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Braydon Allie: 3-for-4, 1 RBI, 3 runs scored
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Nolan Rodriguez: 5.0 IP, 4 K, 2 H, 2 R, 2 walks
Game 1: Azusa Pacific 25, Menlo 9
The opening game turned into a slugfest—but unfortunately not in Menlo's favor as the Oaks fell 25-9 to the Cougars. Menlo jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first inning with an RBI sacrifice fly from Matthew Morrison bringing home Justin Flannery.
Menlo added runs in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings including a solo homer by Samuel Brewer and a three-run shot by Jaden Fulsher, but the Cougars' offense proved overwhelming. Azusa Pacific put together a 10-run fourth inning and followed it up with a 7-run fifth to take full control of the game. Despite a resilient offensive effort featuring 9 hits and multiple RBI contributions, the Oaks couldn't contain Azusa's relentless bats, falling in Game 1.
Game 2: Menlo 13, Azusa Pacific 4
Refusing to let Game 1 define the day, Menlo stormed back in the nightcap with one of their most complete performances of the season. The Oaks flipped the script in Game 2 with dominant pitching and timely offense. Menlo plated runs early and often, capitalizing on Cougar mistakes while also delivering key hits. The offense exploded for 13 runs, highlighted by clutch RBIs and another strong showing from the middle of the order.
Scoring began in the first inning when Justin Fulsher and Braydon Allie each earned doubles to trade places and score two runs. From there the Oaks scored in almost every inning, highlighted by doubles also from Brewer, Fulsher, and Bradley Morris. Carter Harris, Flannery, and Morrison each did a job as well with sacrifice hits to continue the scoring trend.
Menlo's pitching staff tightened up and held the Cougars to just four runs in the second game, showcasing poise and command to secure the split. Nolan Rodriguez earned his first win of the season after pitching 5.0 innings and earning 4 strikeouts, and only 2 walks and 2 runs off of 2 hits. Anthony Tellez pitched the final 2.0 innings in relief and also kept his composure, only allowing one hit and two runs.
What's Next
With the split, Menlo gains momentum and a confidence boost heading into tomorrow. The Oaks will look to build off their Game 2 triumph as they return to the field tomorrow, Saturday, April 5th with another doubleheader against the Cougars starting at 1pm. It is anybody's series!
