ATHERTON, CA – Menlo College Baseball opened its PacWest series against Fresno Pacific University on Thursday afternoon at Cartan Field, earning a split in a competitive doubleheader. The Oaks showcased strong pitching and timely hitting in a 3-1 victory in game one, highlighted by a standout performance from Anthony Deluca and a dominant outing from the Menlo pitching staff. In game two, Menlo battled back with a late offensive surge, but ultimately fell short as the Sunbirds held on, resulting in a hard-fought split to begin the conference matchup.
Oaks Statistical Leaders
Shane Aldridge (G1+2): 3-8, 3 RBI, 1 run, 1 HR, 1 SB
Oliver Hogan (G1+2): 2-7, 1 RBI, 1 run, 1 HR
Anthony Deluca (G1+2): 3-6, 1 RBI, 1 2B, 1 SB, 1 BB
Tyson Brown (G1+2): 2-6, 1 run
Jack Nammack (G1): 2-3, 1 BB, 1 run
Noah Morton (G1): 1-4, 1 2B
David Matthew (G1): 1-4, 1 run
Daniel Aguilera (G2): 2-4
Javier DaRosa Fonseca Jr. (G2): 1-3, 1 run
Pitching Leaders (Game 1):
Matthew Verdugo: 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 5 H, 1 K, 1 BB (Win)
Trey Silva: 1.2 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 K, 1 BB
Henry Robison: 1.1 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 2 K, 1 BB
Jacob Baca: 1.0 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 1 K (Save)
Game 1: FPU 1 - 3 Menlo
Menlo opened the PacWest series on Thursday afternoon at Cartan Field with a gritty 3-1 win in a tightly contested pitcher's duel. The Oaks' pitching staff set the tone early, as starter Matthew Verdugo worked five strong innings, allowing just one earned run while navigating traffic and keeping Fresno Pacific off balance. Defensive execution proved critical behind him, highlighted by multiple double plays in the early innings that erased potential scoring threats.
The Oaks struck first in the second inning, capitalizing on pressure offense. Jack Nammack reached on a bunt single and later came around to score on an error following Anthony Deluca's infield single. Menlo added to its lead in the fifth when Oliver Hogan launched a solo home run to left field, extending the advantage to 2-0. Fresno Pacific responded with a run in the sixth, but the Oaks bullpen, featuring Trey Silva and Henry Robison, held firm to preserve the narrow lead.
Menlo manufactured an insurance run in the eighth inning when David Matthew reached and eventually scored on Deluca's RBI double down the right field line. With a 3-1 cushion, Jacob Baca shut the door in the ninth, securing his fourth save of the season and completing a dominant combined effort from the Oaks pitching staff. Menlo's ability to capitalize on key moments offensively while playing clean, situational baseball proved to be the difference in the opener.
Game 2: FPU 6 - 3 Menlo
In game two, Fresno Pacific struck early and built momentum, ultimately handing Menlo a 3-6 loss despite a late push from the Oaks. The Sunbirds plated a run in the first inning and added another in the third, taking advantage of wild pitches and situational hitting to build a 0-2 lead. Menlo struggled to find offensive rhythm early, as Fresno Pacific's pitching staff limited opportunities through the first four innings.
The game shifted in the fifth inning when Fresno Pacific broke it open with a three-run frame, highlighted by two home runs that extended the lead to 0-5. Menlo responded immediately in the bottom half, showing resilience and offensive firepower. Javier DaRosa Fonseca Jr. sparked the rally with a single, and Tyson Brown drew a walk to set the stage for Shane Aldridge, who crushed a three-run home run to right field to cut the deficit to 3-5.
Despite the momentum swing, Fresno Pacific added an insurance run in the sixth, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to push the lead to 3-6. The Oaks continued to battle, putting runners on base in the later innings, but were unable to deliver the timely hit needed to complete the comeback.
Up Next…
While the result ended in a split, Menlo showcased determination and flashes of offensive strength, highlighted by Aldridge's big swing and multiple multi-hit performances across the lineup. Menlo returns to action in Fresno on Friday, April 10th with their final PacWest doubleheader starting at 1pm, looking to build on its strong pitching and clutch hitting as PacWest play continues.
