ROHNERT PARK – It was close most of the way, but Menlo College two-way standout Lucas Erceg proved to be the difference, as his home run in the eighth, RBI single in the ninth, and scoreless final frame on the mound helped the visiting Oaks to a 3-1 victory over Sonoma State at Seawolf Diamond on Tuesday afternoon.
After Seawolf outfielder
Brian Bynum tied the game at 1-1 in the second with an RBI double that plated
Tyler Glenn, both teams kept each other off the scoreboard for the next five innings. It was only until Erceg's solo shot off
Joey Manzi (0-1) that led off the eighth did either team break through.
Erceg went 3-for-5 on the day, adding a double to his two crucial late-game hits.
Ryan O'Malley led the Seawolves at the plate, as he went 2-for-4. He's now 12 for his first 22 in 2016. Glenn and
Jared English each reached base twice for Sonoma State (1-5), who are now 1-3 at home this season.
Nate Harris (1-0) picked up the victory for Menlo with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, with Erceg's scoreless ninth earning him his second save.
UP NEXTSonoma State will host Academy of Art next Tuesday at Seawolf Diamond, with the first pitch set for 2 p.m.
