The Oaks dropped the opener 2-1 despite getting a complete game from pitcher Brian Priestley. The senior lefty allowed only six hits over nine innings while striking out seven, but Menlo managed just seven hits of its own and didn't score a run after a solo home run from Shane Parsons in the first inning.

In the nightcap the Oaks made the most of limited opportunities, scoring four times in the fourth inning to take control of a tie game despite just one base hit in the frame.

With the game knotted at one-all entering the home half of the fourth, Chris Mazza reached on an error before stealing second and third base. Ty Finley then walked to chase Pirates starting pitcher Liam O'Brien before Michael Brandi drew a walk from reliever Ryan Reitmeier. Mazza scored when Reitmeier unleashed a wild pitch, then Wilkerson drew a walk to load the bases again.

Eric Anderson quickly replaced Reitmeier on the mound and got two straight outs before he threw a wild pitch that plated Finley. Menlo led 3-1 without a hit, but was about to let a golden opportunity to take control slip away. But with two down and full count, Joel Hull lined a single to center field to drive in Brandi and Wilkerson for a 5-1 cushion.

The four-run advantage was plenty for Oaks starting pitcher Adam Koontz. The imposing righty cruised through his seven innings of work, allowing one earned run in the fourth before slamming the door shut on Whitworth's chances once Menlo took the lead for good.

Koontz limited the Pirates to three hits, striking out six and walking one to earn the victory. Darren Takasaki pitched the final two innings without trouble, allowing one hit and striking out three.

Menlo followed up its big fourth inning with another rally in the fifth.

The Oaks again took advantage of Whitworth miscues as Parsons led off by reaching on an infield error and moved to second base on a wild pitch. Finley was hit by a pitch with one out before Brandi singled to center to score Parsons. Finley moved to third on the play and scored when Wilkerson grounded out to second base. Menlo held its final advantage through five innings.

Menlo jumped ahead early in each game thanks to Parsons. The first baseman scorched a line drive down the left field line that curved around the foul pole for a home run in the first inning of the day. In his first at bat of the second game, Parsons drove a home run high and deep to right-center field to put the Oaks ahead.

Brad Binder led Menlo with three hits in the opener while Hull was 2-for-3 with two RBIs in the nightcap. Hull reached in his first four at bats of the game, drawing a pair of walks and singling twice.

Menlo is now 6-7 on the season and hosts Whitworth for the series' rubber match on Sunday at 1 p.m. Whitworth is 2-10 overall.