Senior pitcher Nils Gilbertson scattered seven hits over 6 1/3 innings, and Chace Warren snapped a 2-2 tie with a run-scoring single in the fifth inning, as host Menlo-Atherton opened its PAL Bay Division schedule with a 4-2 victory over Hillsdale Wednesday afternoon.

In addition to his hitting heroics, Warren earned the save when he relieved Gilbertson in the seventh inning and, after walking a Hillsdale batter to load the bases, induced the next hitter to bounce into a game-ending double play.

Gilbertson was nearly flawless after yielding two runs in the first inning, walking just two and striking out three while improving his season record to 2-1. The Bears supported Gilbertson with their best defensive effort of the season, committing just one error. The victory squared M-A’s overall record at 4-4 (1-0 in league play), while Hillsdale fell to 3-5 (0-1).

The Bears collected nine hits—all singles—off Hillsdale pitcher Greg Hansen, including two each by shortstop Casey Eason and DH Chris Gow. M-A cut Hillsdale’s lead to 2-1 on Gow’s single in the first inning, and tied the game 2-2 in the third on Ryan Chilcoat’s RBI single.

Jeff Keller scored M-A’s final run when he dashed home and beat the Hillsdale catcher’s tag following a stolen base attempt by Warren.

Menlo-Atherton will attempt to extend its two-game winning streak when it visits Hillsdale on Friday afternoon.