ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Softball opened their PacWest Conference series Friday afternoon at Wunderlich Field against Azusa Pacific University. Despite multiple late pushes and several strong individual performances, the Oaks fell in both ends of the doubleheader as the Cougars claimed the opener 6-10 before taking the nightcap 0-2.
Menlo Statistical Leaders
Gabrielle Rodriguez (G1+2): 3-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 run, 3 BB, 1 2B
Alina Perez (G1+2): 2-for-6, 2 RBI, 1 2B, 1 BB
Sierra Pasco (G1+2): 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 BB, 1 2B
Lucy Brooks (G1+2): 1-for-6, 1 RBI, 2 runs, 1 SB
Makayla Mentzer (G1): 1-for-4, 2 runs
Emma Medina (G1): 1-for-2, 2 BB
Rosaline Torralva (G2): 7.0 IP, 5 K, 2 ER, 6 H, 5 BB
Game One: Azusa Pacific 10 - 6 Menlo
Azusa Pacific capitalized on early miscues to take the initial lead in the opener. The Cougars plated three runs in the top of the first inning, taking advantage of two Menlo errors and a sacrifice fly to jump out to a 3-0 advantage before the Oaks had recorded an out in the bottom half.
Menlo responded immediately. After Makayla Mentzer reached and moved into scoring position, Gabrielle Rodriguez laced a double down the left-field line to put two runners in scoring position. Alina Perez followed with an RBI single to get the Oaks on the board. The comeback continued in the third inning as Rodriguez singled to start a rally and Perez delivered again with an RBI double to left-center. Emma Medina then reached with a single that forced a throwing error, allowing the tying run to score and knot the game at 3-3.
The Oaks grabbed their first lead in the fourth inning behind a four-hit rally. Lucy Brooks and Mentzer reached before Sierra Pasco lined an RBI single through the middle. Rodriguez followed with another RBI knock to give Menlo a 5-3 advantage. However, the Cougars answered in the fifth with a two-run double after a pair of defensive miscues extended the inning. Azusa Pacific broke the game open in the sixth, stringing together six hits and scoring five runs to regain control. Menlo scratched across a run in the bottom half on a Cougar error and had the tying run come to the plate, but the rally stalled and Azusa Pacific closed out the 6-10 win.
Game Two: Azusa Pacific 2 - 0 Menlo
The second game turned into a pitcher's duel, highlighted by a strong complete-game effort from Menlo starter Rosaline Torralva. The right-hander worked through traffic throughout the afternoon, finishing with five strikeouts while allowing just two runs over seven innings of work.
Azusa Pacific pushed across the first run in the second inning after a walk and sacrifice bunt moved a runner into scoring position before an RBI single gave the Cougars a 0-1 lead. The Cougars added another run in the third on a solo home run, which proved to be the only extra-base damage Torralva allowed.
Menlo created several scoring opportunities but was unable to break through. Lucy Brooks reached and stole second in the first inning, while Gabrielle Rodriguez drew multiple walks to put runners aboard. In the sixth, Rodriguez walked again and Sierra Pasco delivered a pinch-hit double to right-center to put the tying run in scoring position, but the Cougars turned a key double play to escape the threat. Torralva kept the Oaks within striking distance with a scoreless finish over the final four innings, but Menlo was held off the scoreboard as Azusa Pacific secured the 0-2 victory.
Up Next…
Menlo will look to bounce back as the PacWest series continues against Azusa Pacific at Wunderlich Field on Saturday, March 7th at 12pm.
