AUGUSTA, N.J., May 3, 2021 – In the first game of a two-game series with Sussex County Community College, the Monroe College Express baseball team dropped a 7-1 decision against the Skylanders. The Express fall to 6-14 overall, while Sussex improves to 11-16.
 
The Skylanders jumped out to a small, but early lead in Monday's contest. In the bottom of the first, Hunter Rossi walked with one out, and then Ben Mizeski reached on an error. A single by Noah Murciano was then enough to bring in Rossi from second, making it a 1-0 lead for the home team.
 
The Express were able to tie the game in the top of the fifth. Joseph Rosario led off with an infield single, and then Alex Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. With one out, Jose Arrieta beat out another infield single to load the bases. Demetrio Rodriguez then tied the game on a sacrifice fly to left, bringing in Rodriguez to make it a 1-1 ballgame.
 
Unfortunately, things did not stay knotted up for long. In the bottom of the fifth, Mizeski and Murciano hit back-to-back singles to lead off the inning. Shun Morita then tripled to deep left, bringing in both baserunners to give the Skylanders a 3-1 advantage. Jimmy Finnerty then hit a two-run homer to left to push the lead to 5-1. A single and a double then put two runners in scoring position. Jake Lonsky then laid down a sacrifice bunt that ended up scoring both runners, making it a 7-1 game.
 
Alex Rodriguez Bello got the start for the Express, but took the loss after six frames to fall to 0-2 on the season. Denis Garcia tossed two scoreless innings in relief. Nelson Perez improved to 2-0 for the Skylanders with the win. Andres Varas got his first save with four scoreless innings to close it out for Sussex.
 
Arrieta went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks and a hit-by-pitch in the game. Anthony Burgos and Rosario each hit 1-for-3, while Jose Holguin batted 1-for-4. Alex Rodriguez went 0-for-2, but walked once, was hit by a pitch and scored a run. Demetrio Rodriguez knocked in Monroe's only run with a sacrifice fly.
 
The Express will look to even the score on Tuesday, May 4, when they host the Skylanders at Roberto Clemente State Park. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 36 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, the Monroe College marching band, and the newly added esports program, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 17 teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Express, please visit us at www.MonroeExpress.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Express), Twitter (@MonroeExpress) and Instagram (@MonroeExpress).