ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Baseball returned to Cartan Field on Saturday for day two of its PacWest series against the Golden Eagles of Concordia University Irvine, battling through two tightly contested games to earn a split. Behind a strong start from Nolan Rodriguez and a steady relief performance from Jacob Baca in the opener, the Oaks secured a hard-fought victory before dropping the nightcap. With timely hitting in game one and opportunities throughout the twinbill, Menlo showcased resilience on both sides of the ball. The split keeps the Oaks in the thick of conference play as they continue their homestand at Cartan Field.
Oaks Statistical Leaders
Oliver Hogan (G1+2): 4-8, 2 RBI, 2 runs, 1 BB, 1 2B
Shane Aldridge (G1): 1-3, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 HR, 1 SF
Matt Morrison (G1+2): 2-5, 1 run, 1 2B
Daniel Aguilera (G1+2): 3-8, 2 RBI, 1 BB
Noah Pang (G1): 2-3, 2 RBI, 2 runs
Nolan Rodriguez (G1): 6.0 IP, 6 K, 2 BB, 6 H, 4 ER, Win
Jacob Baca (G1): 2.1 IP, 4 K, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 R, Save
Game One: Menlo 10 - 9 CUI
The Oaks struck first in the bottom of the first inning, manufacturing a run when Matt Morrison doubled to right center, advancing Oliver Hogan to third after he was walked, to set up a sacrifice fly from Lakin Anderson. Menlo's offense erupted in the second, stringing together five hits. Noah Pang was hit by a pitch to force in a run, Shane Aldridge added a sacrifice fly, and Oliver Hogan delivered an RBI single. Daniel Aguilera capped the inning with a two-run single to give the Oaks a 5-0 advantage.
Menlo continued to apply pressure in the third when Hogan singled home Pang, and Aldridge launched a solo home run in the fifth to push the lead to 7-1. On the mound, Nolan Rodriguez worked six innings, striking out six while scattering six hits. Despite allowing four earned runs, Rodriguez limited damage through key strikeouts and defensive support behind him.
The game tightened late as Concordia capitalized on a pair of defensive miscues in the seventh to even the score. However, Menlo's bullpen steadied the contest. Jacob Baca delivered 2.1 shutout innings with four strikeouts and no walks to secure the win. Offensively, the Oaks tallied timely hits throughout, finishing with balanced production across the lineup to clinch the opener.
Game Two: Menlo 1 - 8 CUI
In the second game, Concordia capitalized early on defensive errors to plate two unearned runs in the first inning. Menlo responded in the bottom half when Hogan doubled down the left field line and later scored on a single from Lakin Anderson, trimming the deficit to 1-2. The Oaks threatened in both the second and third innings, loading the bases in each frame, but were unable to deliver the breakthrough hit. Daniel Aguilera and Tyson Brown each recorded singles during the rally attempts, yet Concordia's pitching staff escaped both jams unscathed.
The Golden Eagles extended their lead with a two-run homer in the fourth and added insurance runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Menlo's pitching staff battled through traffic, but timely hits and situational execution by Concordia proved decisive. Offensively, the Oaks scattered 11 hits but struggled to string together scoring opportunities in the finale.
Up Next…
With the split, Menlo remains competitive in PacWest play and looks to build on today's victory for their next PacWest matchup, happening on Saturday, March 7th against Point Loma at Cartan Field. Their doubleheader has a first pitch scheduled for 11am.
