AZUSA, CA – On the second day of their PacWest Conference road series, Menlo Baseball came up short in both ends of a competitive doubleheader against Azusa Pacific University. Despite strong offensive showings, the Oaks dropped game one in a 10–8 slugfest before falling 8–3 in game two.
Oak Standouts
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Justin Flannery: 3-8, 2 runs,2 RBI, a walk, a double
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Braydon Allie: 3-5, 1 RBI, 1 run
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Samuel Brewer: 2-7, 5 RBI, 3 runs, 2 home runs
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Jayshaun Wise: 1-4, 2 RBI, 1 run
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Ramone Valenzuela: 1-4, 1 RBI, 2 runs, a home run
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Richard Kiel: 6.0 IP, 5 K, 1 BB, 7 H, 6 ER
Game One: Azusa Pacific 10, Menlo 8
Menlo came out swinging in the opener, striking first with an early RBI sacrifice fly from Samuel Brewer to score Justin Flannery in the top of the first. After giving up a three-run homer in the second to fall behind 3-1, the Oaks responded with a solo shot from Ramone Valenzuela in the third and a sacrifice hit from Zach Dyer in the fourth to even the score at 3-3.
The fireworks continued in the fifth, as Brewer launched a two-run homer to left center to push Menlo ahead 5-3. However, Azusa Pacific countered with back-to-back homers and tied it up again before taking the lead for good in the sixth and eighth innings.
Jaysha Wise hit a clutch two-run home run in the seventh to give Menlo a 7-6 lead, but the Cougars stormed back with four unanswered runs across the seventh and eighth innings. Menlo added a run in the ninth, but the rally came up just short, ending in a 10-8 loss.
Richard Kiel started on the mound for the Oaks and went 6.0 innings. He found his command as he struck out 5 Cougars, and only allowed 7 hits, 6 earned runs, and 1 walk. Landon Rowland pitched in relief for the final 2.0 innings. Despite taking the loss, Rowland still managed to strike out 2 batters, walk one, and only allow 4 hits and 3 earned runs.
Game Two: Azusa Pacific 19, Menlo 5
Game two began with promise for Menlo, who struck for three runs in the second inning. A bases-loaded walk from Carter Harris and a two-RBI single from Justin Flannery gave the Oaks an early 3-0 advantage.
But Azusa Pacific responded with eight unanswered runs over the next five innings, capitalizing on timely hits and efficient pitching. Menlo struggled to generate offense down the stretch, stranding key runners and unable to recover.
Despite the loss, Flannery continued his productive day with two more RBIs, and Jackson Gomes and Jaden Fulsher chipped in with hits to pace the lineup. The Oaks saw appearances from Trey Silva (3.0 IP), Sam Grannes (0.0 IP), Scott Beadles (0.1 IP), Donovan Kerr (2.1 IP) and Charles Williams (0.1 IP).
Looking Ahead
The Oaks will look to bounce back as they return home for a PacWest series against the Eagles of Biola University on Friday, April 11th with a doubleheader starting at 11am.
