ATHERTON, CA – Menlo Baseball opened a four-game PacWest Conference series against Jessup University on Friday afternoon at Cartan Field, earning a split on day one. After a late rally came up short in a 3-6 loss in game one, the Oaks carried that momentum into the second contest, responding with a complete effort to secure a 5-3 victory. With the split, Menlo now shifts its focus to the road as the series continues in Rocklin on Saturday.
Menlo Statistical Leaders
Oliver Hogan: 4-6, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 BB, 2 SB
Shane Aldridge: 4-9, 2 RBI, 1 run, 1 2B, 1 SB
Mason Hanshaw: 2-3, 1 RBI, 2 runs, 1 HR
Matt Morrison: 1-6, 1 run, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 SF
Jack van Gorkum: 1-4, 2 RBI
Noah Pang: 2-4
Dominic Hernandez: 5.0 IP, 5 K, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB (Win)
Jacob Baca: 1.1 IP, 2 K, 1 BB, 0 H, 0 R (Save)
Game One: Jessup 6 - 3 Menlo
Menlo battled throughout the opener but was unable to overcome an early deficit as Jessup capitalized on key opportunities to build a lead. After a scoreless first inning, Jessup struck in the second with back-to-back doubles to take an early advantage. The Warriors added another run in the fifth, aided by a defensive miscue, before breaking the game open with a three-run sixth inning that pushed the margin to 0-5. Despite solid moments on the mound by starter Matthew Verdugo, the Oaks were forced to pitch from behind for much of the contest.
Offensively, Menlo generated traffic but struggled to deliver timely hits in the early and middle innings. The Oaks left multiple runners on base before finally breaking through in the eighth inning. A walk and a single set the stage for Jack van Gorkum, who delivered a two-RBI hit to cut into the deficit. Menlo continued to apply pressure in the ninth, loading the bases and bringing in another run on an Oliver Hogan hit-by-pitch, but the late push ultimately fell short as Jessup held on for the 3-6 win.
Game Two: Jessup 3 - 5 Menlo
The Oaks responded immediately in game two, using aggressive baserunning and timely hitting to seize early momentum. Shane Aldridge ignited the offense in the first inning, reaching base, stealing second, and advancing to third before scoring on a sacrifice fly from Matt Morrison. After Jessup answered with two runs in the second, Menlo delivered a decisive response in the bottom half, plating three runs behind a two-RBI double from Aldridge and an RBI single from Oliver Hogan to take a 4-2 lead.
Menlo added an important insurance run in the fifth inning when Mason Hanshaw connected on a solo home run to extend the lead. Hanshaw's homer would account for his first of the season, one that would claim immense importance for morale on the Oaks squad. On the mound, Dominic Hernandez provided stability with five strong innings, striking out five and allowing just one earned run without issuing a walk. The bullpen held steady down the stretch, with Jacob Baca closing out the final innings to earn the save. Combined with cleaner defense and consistent execution, the Oaks secured the 5-3 victory to even the series heading into Saturday's games in Rocklin.
Up Next…
Menlo Baseball will hit the road to complete its four-game PacWest series against Jessup University on Saturday, April 4th, with a doubleheader scheduled for 1:00pm and 4:00pm in Rocklin, California. With the series even at one game apiece, the Oaks will look to carry their game two momentum into the final pair of contests as they aim to secure a series win over the Warriors.
