HONOLULU, HI – Menlo Baseball closed out its PacWest series against Chaminade on Monday evening with a competitive doubleheader. After falling short in a hard-fought opener, the Oaks responded in the nightcap with a composed and timely performance, rallying from an early deficit to secure a 5-3 victory and earn a split on the day. Menlo combined aggressive baserunning, clutch hitting, and steady pitching throughout the doubleheader, highlighted by a pivotal offensive surge in Game 2 and a strong relief effort on the mound. The result capped a challenging stretch in Honolulu on a positive note and provided momentum as the Oaks continue conference play in Hawai'i.
Oak Stat Leaders
Shane Aldridge (G1+2): 5-8, 3 runs, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 2B, 2 SB
Tyson Brown (G1+2): 3-7, 3 runs, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 5 SB
Oliver Hogan (G1+2): 3-8, 2 RBI, 1 BB
Noah Pang (G1): 2-4, 1 run, 1 BB
Jack van Gorkum (G1): 1-5, 2 RBI, 1 SB
Mason Hanshaw (G1): 2-4, 1 RBI
Pitching Leaders:
Jackson Garcia (G1): 3.0 IP, 3 K, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB
Sam Purgason (G2): 3.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 K, 2 BB
Jace Villanueva (G2): 3.0 IP, 4 K, 4 H, 2 R, 2 BB
GAME 1: Menlo 5 - 7 Chaminade
Menlo opened the doubleheader with early execution, using aggressive baserunning and timely contact to generate offense. Tyson Brown ignited the second inning with a single before stealing both second and third, eventually scoring on Mason Hanshaw's RBI single. The Oaks continued to apply pressure in the third, as Shane Aldridge walked, stole second, and came around to score on Jack Nammack's RBI single to even the game at 2-2.
Chaminade responded with a decisive third inning, capitalizing on free passes and a key extra-base hit to plate four runs and take control. Menlo answered in the fifth inning with one of its strongest offensive stretches of the game. Noah Pang and Brown reached base to set the table for Jack van Gorkum, who delivered a two-RBI single to cut the deficit to one. Brown later stole home, highlighting the Oaks' aggressive approach and cutting the margin to 5-6.
On the mound, Menlo's bullpen provided stability, led by Jackson Garcia's three shutout innings with three strikeouts and just one hit allowed. Defensively, the Oaks made key plays but were hurt by a critical error that extended Chaminade's big inning. Despite multiple late scoring opportunities and continued pressure on the basepaths, Menlo was unable to push across the equalizer, falling 5-7.
GAME 2: Menlo 5 - 3 Chaminade
The Oaks responded in the nightcap with a composed and resilient performance, overcoming an early deficit to secure the win. After falling behind 0-1 in the first inning, Menlo's offense gradually found its rhythm, breaking through in a pivotal fifth inning. DJ Cardinal and David Matthew sparked the rally, setting up Shane Aldridge's RBI double to tie the game. Oliver Hogan followed with a clutch two-RBI single to give Menlo its first lead, and the Oaks capitalized on a defensive miscue to extend the advantage to 4-1.
Menlo added insurance in the sixth inning as Aldridge reached and stole second before Tyson Brown delivered an RBI single. Brown continued to pressure the defense by stealing second and third, reinforcing the Oaks' aggressive baserunning identity throughout the game.
On the mound, Sam Purgason kept Menlo within striking distance early, while Jace Villanueva provided a strong middle relief outing with four strikeouts. The Oaks' pitching staff limited further damage after Chaminade closed the gap to 5-3 in the sixth. Jacob Baca shut the door in the final frame, and the defense delivered a clean seventh inning to secure the victory. The combination of timely hitting, opportunistic baserunning, and steady pitching allowed Menlo to rally and finish the series on a high note.
Up Next…
Menlo remains in Hawai'i and continues PacWest play with another conference series against Hawai'i Pacific. The Oaks will face the Sharks on Wednesday and Thursday, March 18-19 in Waipahu, Hawai'i, looking to build on their momentum from the series finale.
