BRONX, NY – Monroe Express baseball concluded their season series with the Bronx Community College Broncos on Saturday afternoon, sweeping the day's doubleheader with a 9-8 victory in game one and a 5-3 win in game two. The Express improve to 20-16 on the season and are now 9-5 in Region 15 play.

Game one: Monroe Express 9, Bronx Broncos 8

Monroe took the lead late in the 9-8 victory over Bronx in game one of the day's doubleheader. The game was tied at six with the Express batting in the top of the eighth when Randy Diaz singled on a 1-1 count, scoring one run.

Bronx Community College fired up the offense in the first inning, when Steven Correa singled on a 3-2 count, scoring one run. In the top of the seventh, Monroe tied things up at six when Hecxiel Perez doubled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run. The Express went in front, 7-6, when Ramsel Jerez scored after a single to right field hit by Diaz. 

Monroe's cushion grew to three points in the top of the eighth after Camilo Rodriguez singled, running in two. With one more chance, the Broncos scored two runs in the period, before Luis Roman Sanchez grounded out, cementing the Express victory.

Luis Lopez got the win for the Express. Lopez surrendered two runs on zero hits over two innings, striking out four. Jonathan Rondon and Tyler Cadena entered the game out of the bullpen and helped to close out the game in relief. Cadena recorded the last two outs to earn the save.

Jordy Garcia took the loss for Bronx. The hurler surrendered nine runs on 15 hits over eight innings, striking out two.

Alex Bello-Rodriguez started the game for Monroe, going three innings, allowing three runs on four hits, striking out three and walking one
The Express smacked one home run on the day. Ernie Farrell had a homer in the third inning.

Monroe had 15 hits in the game, as. Farrell led Monroe with three hits in four at bats.

The Broncos collected eight hits. Bronx tore up the base paths, as two players stole at least two bases. Correa led the way with three.

Game two: Monroe Express 5, Bronx Broncos 3

The Express followed up their game one win, defeating Bronx Community College 5-3 in game two.

In a relatively low scoring game, Bronx broke the scoring ice in the bottom of the third after Wilkin Ruan scored after a double to left field hit by Samuel De La Rosa. Monroe answered with four runs in the fourth inning, on back to back plays, including a Perez double that ran in two. The Express iced the game after Ramsel Jerez scored after a sacrifice fly by Farrell.

David Pena earned the victory on the hill for Monroe. Pena allowed four hits and three runs over three and two-thirds innings, striking out two. Miguel Polanco threw two and a third innings in relief out of the bullpen. Polanco recorded the last seven outs to earn the save for the Express.

Jefferson Santiago took the loss for Bronx. Santiago lasted four innings, allowing six hits and five runs while striking out two.

Jerez went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead Monroe in hits. The Express was sure-handed in the field and didn't commit a single error. Hecxiel Perez had the most chances in the field with seven.

The Broncos didn't commit a single error in the field. Raul Chevalier had six chances in the field, the most on the team.

The Express travel tomorrow for Region 15 action against the Nassau Community College Lions inside Mitchel Field in Garden City, NY. First pitch will be at 12 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).