ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Baseball returned home on Saturday looking to respond after two tight losses to the Vanguard Lions on Friday. The Oaks answered with resilience and execution, reversing their fortunes with a doubleheader sweep at home. A dramatic walk-off from Oliver Hogan capped a wild Game 1 comeback, while Nolan Rodriguez delivered a complete-game shutout in Game 2 to secure the series turnaround and a key PacWest conference split.
Oak Statistical Leaders
Oliver Hogan (G1+2): 4-for-8, 3 RBI, 2 runs, 1 HR, 1 2B, 2 SB, walk-off RBI single in Game 1
Matt Morrison (G1+2): 2-for-7, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 HR, solo HR in Game 2
Jack van Gorkum (G1+2): 2-for-2, 1 run, 1 SB, 1 BB, reached base in all three plate appearances
Daniel Aguilera (G1+2): 2-for-7, 3 RBI, 1 run, 1 2B, go-ahead three-RBI double in Game 1
David Matthew (G1): 1-for-3, 1 RBI, squeeze bunt RBI in sixth inning
Shane Aldridge (G1+2): 1-for-4, 1 BB, 2 runs, scored winning run in Game 1
Marcus McClenon (G1): 0-for-1, 1 run, 2 SB, scored on defensive miscue to add insurance
DJ Cardinal (G2): 1-for-1, 1 BB, reached base twice
Jacob Baca (G1): 2.1 IP, 2 K, 1 BB, 2 H, 2 R, earned the win in relief
Nolan Rodriguez (G2): 7.0 IP, 7 K, 3 BB, 2 H, 0 R, complete-game shutout
Game 1: Vanguard 8 - 9 Menlo
Menlo set the tone immediately in the opener as Shane Aldridge drew a leadoff walk and Oliver Hogan followed by launching a two-run home run to left center in the first inning. Vanguard gradually fought back, taking advantage of a pair of defensive miscues to tie the game and later edge ahead 2-3, but the Oaks remained within striking distance thanks to steady bullpen work and timely defensive plays.
The game turned in the sixth inning when Menlo's offense erupted for six runs. Hogan opened the frame with a double, and Matt Morrison tied the game with an RBI single. After a bunt and two walks loaded the bases, Daniel Aguilera delivered the biggest swing of the game to that point, lining a three-RBI double down the left-field line to give Menlo a 6-3 lead. David Matthew then executed a textbook squeeze bunt to bring home another run, and aggressive baserunning from Marcus McClennon forced an error that allowed Menlo to extend the lead to 8-3.
Vanguard refused to go quietly, scoring three runs in the seventh and two more in the ninth to even the game at 8-8. With the momentum shifting, Menlo responded in the bottom half. Aldridge singled with two outs to ignite the rally, and Hogan once again delivered, hitting a bloop single to center field just far enough to bring Aldridge home from second for the walk-off 9-8 victory. Jacob Baca closed the door in relief to earn the win after Menlo's pitching staff combined to navigate several high-pressure innings.
Game 2: Vanguard 0 - 1 Menlo
The second game of the doubleheader showcased a completely different style of contest, as pitching and defense dominated throughout. Nolan Rodriguez took the mound for Menlo and was in command from the first inning, mixing pitches effectively and limiting hard contact. He worked out of early traffic and settled into a rhythm, retiring multiple Vanguard hitters on strikeouts and weak contact to keep the Lions off the scoreboard.
Menlo scratched across the only run of the game in the third inning. Matt Morrison provided the decisive swing, turning on a pitch and sending it over the right-field wall for a solo home run. The Oaks continued to apply pressure on the basepaths, with Oliver Hogan and Jack Van Gorkum swiping multiple bases to create scoring opportunities, but Rodriguez ultimately made the single run stand.
Vanguard threatened in the seventh after reaching base on an error and a walk, but Menlo's defense came up with a critical out at the plate to preserve the lead. Rodriguez finished what he started, retiring the final hitters to complete a two-hit shutout and clinch the doubleheader sweep for the Oaks.
Up Next…
Menlo remains at home next week, returning to Cartan Field on Thursday, April 2, to open its next PacWest Conference series against the Warriors of Jessup University. The teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 11 am as the Oaks look to build on the momentum from Saturday's sweep and continue their push in conference play.
