BRONX – The Monroe College – Bronx baseball team earned an impressive victory over NJCAA Division II Rockland Community College, 14-5, at Roberto Clemente State Park on Monday afternoon.
 
The Express (14-18) take two out of three games over the Hawks (11-27) this season. 
 
Monroe – Bronx got off to a strong start by scoring three runs in the bottom of the first, highlighted by an RBI single off the bat of sophomore first baseman Camilo Rodriguez, to take a 3-0 advantage.
 
The Hawks' bats had a productive inning in the third, scoring five runs to jump out in front by two. The Express answered back in the bottom frame. With a runner on second, and one out, freshman third baseman Giovanny Flores launched a two-run homer to center field to tie the game at five. 
 
The Express' momentum continued in the bottom of the fourth as they scored three runs in the frame to regain their three-run lead at 8-5. The runs occurred thanks to an RBI single by freshman catcher Elio Sanchez, a walk with the bases loaded by rookie shortstop Yan Ortiz Torres, and a sacrifice fly by Flores.
 
Monroe – Bronx blew the game open in the bottom of the sixth by scoring six runs in the stanza, highlighted by a two-run single off the bat of sophomore center fielder Bryant Quezada and an RBI single by Flores, to pad its cushion to 14-5. That ended up being the final score.
 
On the mound for the Express, freshman pitcher Yariel Perez earned his first collegiate victory by coming out of the bullpen and giving up no earned runs and striking out two batters in four innings pitched. Rookie pitcher Daniel Pena Puente pitched three shutout innings, and did not give up a hit, to close out the game and earn the first save of his collegiate career.
 
"Great pitching performances by Daniel Pena Puente and Yariel Perez to pick up and hold the game," Express Head Baseball Coach Bryan Diaz said.
 
At the plate for Monroe, Flores went 2-for-3, drove in five runs, scored twice, and drew a walk. Quezada also collected a pair of hits and scored twice. Ortiz Torres scored three times, earned three walks, stole just as many bases, and hit a single. Rookie left fielder Jeanpaul Alicea Albertorio went 2-for-3 with an RBI, a pair of stolen bases, and a run scored. Sanchez had two hits, including a double, scored a run, and earned a base on balls. Freshman second baseman Joeliel Cruz hit two singles, scored twice, and stole a base. Sophomore right fielder Antwon Beverly drew two walks, stole just as many bases, and came around to score. Freshman infielder Jesus Guerrero stole a base and scored a run. Second-year designated hitter Hecxiel Perez walked, stole a base, and scored. 
 
Monroe – Bronx will take on Bronx Community College, in a Region 15 game at Ohio Field, on Tuesday afternoon. First pitch is set for 3:30 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).