ATHERTON, CA – Senior Day at Cartan Field turned into an unforgettable celebration as Menlo Baseball delivered a pair of heart-pounding victories over Azusa Pacific University to clinch a 3-1 PacWest series win. With momentum carrying over from a dramatic day one, the Oaks rose to the occasion in front of an energized home crowd, combining explosive offense, clutch pitching, and highlight-reel defense. The result: a historic milestone - Menlo's first NCAA Division II-era series victory - achieved in unforgettable fashion.

Menlo Statistical Leaders

Oliver Hogan (G1): 3-4, 5 RBI, 2 runs, 2 HR, 1 SB

Shane Aldridge (G1): 1-4, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 BB, 1 2B

Mason Hanshaw (G1+2): 4-6, 2 runs, 2 2B

Gemini Vendiola (G1): 0-2, 2 runs, 2 BB

Jack Nammack (G1): 1-4, 1 run

Noah Pang (G1): 1-3

Brayden Wilson (G1): 1 run

Javier DaRosa Fonseca Jr (G2): 2-4, 1 RBI, 2 runs, 1 HR, 1 2B

Skylar Lenihan (G2): 1-3, 1 RBI, 1 run

Tommy Mendoza (G2): 1-3, 1 run

Jack van Gorkum (G2): 1-2, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 1 2B

Jace Villanueva (G1): 5.2 IP, 3 K, 1 BB, 2 ER, 6 H, Win

Dominic Hernandez (G2): 4.0 IP, 1 K, 0 BB, 3 ER, 7 H, Win

Donovan Kerr (G2): 3.0 IP, 2 K, 2 BB, 0 ER, 1 H, Save

Game One: APU 4 - 8 Menlo

The Oaks came out swinging and they didn't stop. After Shane Aldridge worked a leadoff walk in the first, Oliver Hogan ignited the crowd with a towering first-pitch two-run blast to left, sending Senior Day into an instant hysterics. Hogan wasn't done. In the third inning, he struck again with another first-pitch no-doubt homer, putting Menlo firmly in control and electrifying the dugout.

Behind the early offensive surge, Jace Villanueva delivered a gritty outing on the mound, navigating traffic and limiting Azusa Pacific's chances through nearly six strong innings. When the Cougars began to threaten, Menlo answered with poise. In the sixth, the Oaks broke things open with Mason Hanshaw sparking the rally, Gemini Vendiola reached, and Aldridge ripped a clutch two-RBI double down the line to stretch the lead.

And just when the game needed a finishing touch, Hogan delivered again. In the eighth inning, he laced a two-run single up the middle to cap a jaw-dropping five-RBI performance. The bullpen slammed the door late, and despite a late push from Azusa Pacific, Menlo sealed an emphatic 8-4 victory powered by big swings, relentless pressure, and Senior Day stars shining bright.

Game Two: APU 7 - 9 Menlo 

If game one was electric, game two was pure chaos in the best way possible for the Oaks. Menlo erupted out of the gates, plating four runs in the second inning with aggressive, relentless offense. Skylar Lenihan delivered an RBI knock, Hogan forced in a run, and the Oaks capitalized on every opportunity. Then came the third inning and the knockout punches kept coming.

Javier DaRosa Fonseca Jr. launched a solo homer to spark another rally, and moments later, Jack van Gorkum crushed a two-RBI double that sent the Menlo bench into a frenzy. By the end of the third, the Oaks had built a stunning 8-0 lead, overwhelming Azusa Pacific with wave after wave of offense.

But the Cougars didn't go quietly, storming back with seven runs across the middle innings to turn the game into a battle. That's when Menlo showed its edge. Defensive plays in key moments including a critical out at the plate after a relay from left field shifted momentum back to the Oaks. On the mound, Dominic Hernandez steadied the early innings before Donovan Kerr took over and delivered under pressure, locking down the final three innings with poise and precision.

Menlo added a crucial insurance run in the sixth with aggressive baserunning from pinch runner Brayden Wilson, and Kerr slammed the door shut from there. Final score: 9-7. Final statement: resilience, grit, and belief.

2026 Home Schedule Ends in the Win Column

From first pitch to final out, Senior Day belonged to the Oaks. With explosive offense, clutch performances, and a milestone series victory, Menlo Baseball turned a celebration into history, one that won't soon be forgotten at Cartan Field. The Oaks completed the day with a Senior Day celebration highlighting the 8 graduating seniors: Skylar Lenihan, Tommy Mendoza, Mason Hanshaw, Samuel Brewer, Matt Morrison, Frank Grant, Donovan Kerr, and student manager Brody Moller. With the home slate complete, the Oaks now head to Santa Barbara for a final series against the Westmont College Warriors starting Friday, May 2nd at 11am, aiming to carry that momentum into the season's finish.