Legends Split Week 3, Finish Strong with Back-to-Back Wins
The Menlo Park Legends continued to show growth during Week 3 of California Collegiate League play, finishing with a 2-2 record and carrying momentum into the next stretch of the summer. While the week began with a pair of frustrating losses, the Legends responded with consecutive victories over Sonoma and San Francisco, fueled by timely hitting and dominant pitching performances. The strong finish highlighted a club that continues to improve as players settle into their roles and gain experience against some of the league’s top competition.
Menlo Park opened the week with a hard-fought 3-1 loss to the Walnut Creek Crawdads at Baylands Park. The Legends were limited to five hits and struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, finishing just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Ryder Kelly and Paul Wagner provided extra-base hits, while Carlos Cruz Mar’s sacrifice fly accounted for the lone run. Despite the loss, Henry Harding delivered one of the week’s top pitching performances, striking out six over 3.2 scoreless innings of relief to keep Menlo Park within striking distance.
The offense broke through in a wild showdown with the Sonoma Stompers the following night. Oliver Hogan led the charge with a two-run double and a stolen base, while Eric Altmark and Barclay Ovalle each drove in two runs as the Legends erased a four-run deficit and tied the game at 6-6 in the sixth inning. Sonoma, however, answered immediately with three runs and eventually pulled away for an 11-7 victory. Although the result was disappointing, Menlo Park’s ability to rally and produce runs against a quality opponent showcased the offensive potential that has steadily developed throughout the season.
The Legends bounced back in impressive fashion against the Stompers on the second night of the series. Aaron Louis delivered a game-tying RBI single in the third inning before Will Robbins provided the decisive swing with a seventh-inning solo home run that put Menlo Park ahead for good. Robbins later scored an insurance run in the eighth, while the pitching staff took care of the rest. Vincent Braga, Titus Clappin, and Diego Menjivar combined to hold Sonoma to just two runs on four hits, with Menjivar recording the final six outs to secure the 3-2 victory.
Menlo Park carried that momentum into the weekend finale, shutting out the San Francisco Seagulls 4-0 for its most complete performance of the season. Ryan Duron sparked the offense with a first-inning RBI triple and later scored to give the Legends an early cushion. Oliver Hogan added another RBI in the fifth before Aaron Louis delivered a ninth-inning insurance run. On the mound, Kai Maynick and Henry Harding dominated, combining to limit the Seagulls to just four hits while preserving the shutout. Harding continued his outstanding week by striking out five over 2.1 scoreless innings, cementing himself as one of the club’s most reliable bullpen arms. With consecutive wins and improved play on both sides of the ball, the Legends now turn their attention to a busy Week 4 schedule that includes matchups with the Seagulls, Sonoma Stompers, and perennial powerhouse Santa Barbara Foresters as they look to continue building momentum.
