WAIPAHU, HI – Menlo Baseball opened their PacWest series against Hawai'i Pacific on Wednesday afternoon, splitting a doubleheader with the Sharks. The Oaks dropped the opener before responding with a decisive sixth-inning rally in game two to earn a 7-3 victory and finish the day even in the series.
Oaks Statistical Leaders
Tyson Brown (G1+2): 3-6, 1 BB, 1 run, 1 2B, 1 SB
Shane Aldridge (G1+2): 3-7, 1 RBI, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 runs
Oliver Hogan (G1+2): 3-6, 3 RBI, 2 runs, 1 BB
Matt Morrison (G2): 3-4, 3 RBI, 1 2B
Javier DaRosa Fonseca Jr. (G2): 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 run
Jack Nammack (G1): 1-4, 1 SB
Matthew Verdugo (G1): 5.0 IP, 4 K, 2 BB, 10 H, 3 ER
Trey Silva (G2): 3.1 IP, 1 K, 0 BB, 4 H, 1 R — Win
Jacob Baca (G2): 2.0 IP, 2 K, 0 BB, 1 H, 0 R
Game 1: Menlo 1 - 7 HPU
Menlo showed early signs of offensive rhythm but was unable to convert opportunities as Hawai'i Pacific pulled away late to claim the opener. Tyson Brown singled in the first inning and Jack Nammack added a base hit in the second, setting the table for the Oaks' first run in the third. After Mason Hanshaw worked a walk and Shane Aldridge singled, Oliver Hogan drove in Menlo's lone run with a single to center to tie the game at 1-1.
Starting pitcher Matthew Verdugo battled through heavy traffic across five innings, striking out four and limiting damage despite the Sharks recording 10 hits against him. The game remained tied into the fifth before Hawai'i Pacific broke through, capitalizing on three hits and an outfield error to plate three runs and take a 1-4 lead.
Menlo threatened again in the sixth as Brown singled and stole third, but the Sharks cut down the runner at the plate to end the rally. Hawai'i Pacific added three insurance runs in the eighth and the Oaks were unable to respond in the ninth as the Sharks secured a 1-7 victory.
Game 2: Menlo 7 - 3 HPU
The Oaks answered immediately in the second game, striking for three runs in the top of the first inning. Tyson Brown led off with a double and scored on Shane Aldridge's RBI double before Oliver Hogan followed with a run-scoring single. Later in the inning, Javier DaRosa Fonseca Jr. was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to push the lead to 3-0.
Hawai'i Pacific chipped away with two runs in the second and tied the contest in the fourth, but Menlo's pitching stabilized after Trey Silva entered in relief. Silva delivered 3.1 steady innings, allowing just one run and keeping the Sharks from building momentum in the middle frames.
With the game tied 3-3 in the sixth, Menlo executed a textbook offensive sequence. Javier DaRosa Fonseca Jr. opened the inning with a single before two sacrifice plays advanced runners into scoring position. Oliver Hogan then delivered the go-ahead RBI single to left field. Moments later, Matt Morrison delivered the decisive blow, ripping a three-run double to right field to clear the bases and give the Oaks a commanding 7-3 advantage. Jacob Baca closed out the win with two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and striking out two to secure the doubleheader split.
Up Next…
Menlo Baseball will play their decisive doubleheader against Hawai'i Pacific on Thursday, March 19th as the Oaks look to carry the momentum from their game two victory into the remainder of the PacWest matchup.
