After a string of four wins, Menlo-Atherton's good fortune finally ran out on Saturday. They took a 7-3 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Pioneer Mustangs. Menlo-Atherton was given a dose of their own medicine in this game as Pioneer apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in March of 2022.
Menlo-Atherton got a good showing from Joaquin Baranchuk, who pitched four innings while giving up just two earned runs off two hits.
On the hitting side, Rowan Kelly made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored a run and stole a base while going 2-for-3. Another player making a difference was Ronan Cutright, who went 2-for-3 with two doubles and an RBI.
Even though they lost, Menlo-Atherton was hitting in the alleys and finished the game with four doubles. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Pioneer only hit a.
On Pioneer's side, Nate Tichy was a major factor while hitting and pitching. On the mound, he pitched an inning while giving up no earned runs or hits (he also didn't allow any walks). Tichy was also stellar in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing three bases while getting on base in all four of his plate appearances.
In other pitching news, Pioneer got a great performance from Nathaniel Forbes as he tossed six innings while giving up just two earned (and one unearned) runs off six hits (he also only allowed one walk). Forbes has been consistent recently: he hasn't given up more than two walks in four consecutive pitching appearances.
Back at the plate, Pioneer let Jayden Goodrich and Adam Larson loose on the outfield. Goodrich got on base in three of his four plate appearances with two RBI, while Larson scored two runs and stole a base while getting on base in two of his four plate appearances. Lucas Leese was another key contributor, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and a double.
Menlo-Atherton's loss ended a five-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 11-6. As for Pioneer, their victory was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 9-7.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Menlo-Atherton will take on Homestead at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday. Pioneer will take on Ann Sobrato at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Pioneer is facing Ann Sobrato at the right time seeing as Ann Sobrato is stuck on a nine-game losing streak.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
