SUFFERN, N.Y. – The Monroe College – Bronx baseball team dropped its game to NJCAA Division II Rockland Community College, 15-5, at Rockland Baseball Field on Monday afternoon.
 
The Hawks (5-19) scored four runs in the opening inning and never looked back. 
 
Down 6-0 in the top of the fourth, the Express (6-13) got a run back thanks to an RBI double by first-year designated hitter Jeremy Columna that scored freshman third baseman Giovanny Flores to pull the Blue and Gold to within five. 
 
After Rockland scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth to increase its lead, Monroe scored its second run in the top of the fifth as sophomore left fielder Gregory Espinal grounded the ball to second that allowed second-year center fielder Bryant Quezada to score from third. 
 
In the top of the sixth, with the Express down 14-2, freshman second baseman Joeliel Cruz drew a walk with the bases loaded that allowed rookie shortstop Yan Ortiz Torres to cross home plate. The next batter was Quezada who hit a sacrifice fly to center to allow freshman catcher Yadiel Santana to score.
 
Monroe added one more run in the seventh thanks to an RBI single off the bat of Ortiz Torres which scored sophomore infielder Didier Hernandez. It was not enough as Rockland secured the victory, 15-5.
 
At the plate for the Express, Espinal went 2-for-4 with a double and he picked up a stolen base. Flores hit a single and drew a walk. Quezada reached base with a single and stole second and third. Freshman right fielder Alfredo Jimenez Jr. drilled a double, while sophomore first baseman Camilo Rodriguez hit a single. Santana produced a single. Columna earned a base on balls. 
 
For Rockland, sophomore pitcher Jake Laura got the win on the mound by striking out four batters and giving just one earned run in four innings pitched.
 
Monroe will battle NJCAA Division II Westchester Community College in a single game at Vikings Field on Friday afternoon. First pitch is set for 4:00 p.m.

ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 31 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 seven 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/X (@MonroeExpress), Instagram (@MonroeExpress), and Threads (@MonroeExpress).