TROY, NY – Monroe Express kept their winning ways alive Tuesday afternoon, with a narrow 8-7 victory over the Hudson Valley Community College Vikings that nearly saw the Vikings erase a six run deficit in the final inning. Nonetheless, the Express were able to close out their opponent, improving their record to 10-9 with the victory, and reaching an above .500 record for the first time this season.

Monroe got on the board in the first inning when Jose Zabala Rodriguez drew a walk, scoring one run. Following this, the Express put up three runs in the second inning, strengthened by Ian Faulkner and Randy Diaz who powered the big inning with RBIs. The Express then got out to a six-run lead in the sixth inning, acheving their largest lead of the game. The home team scored five runs in the ninth inning in their failed resurgence on a single by Alexander Marino, a triple by Tj Strevell, and a single by Josh Foglia, , where the Express were able to stave off a potential comeback by the Vikings.

Franklin Caminero led the Express to victory on the pitcher's mound. The ace lasted seven innings, allowing three hits and two runs while striking out four. Kevin Montes and Luis Lopez entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief. Lopez recorded the last three outs to earn the save for the blue and gold.

Delameter took the loss for Hudson Valley, where the hurler allowed one hit and two runs over one and one-third innings, striking out two. Albert Vargas started the game for the Vikings, lasting one inning, allowing zero hits and one run. Foglia went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Hudson Valley in hits.

For the Express, the road squad tallied nine hits on the day. Bryant Quezada led the Express with three hits in five at bats, followed by Ramsel Jerez with two in four at bats and Faulker with two as well in five at bats. Monroe stole nine bases during the game as two players stole more than one, Diaz leading the way with four. The Express was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Imanol Ramos made the most plays with six, leading all players in the contest.

The Express continue on the road Thursday (Mar. 30) for a non-conference stint against the Westchester Community College Vikings inside Vikings Field in Valhalla, NY. First pitch is slated for 3:30 PM.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 35 teams competing across nine sports. There are 21 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 and men's volleyball programs, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has 14 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).