WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx baseball team battled Dutchess Community College, at Heritage Financial Park on Thursday, and delivered an explosive performance, dominating from the first inning to the last in a commanding 21-1 victory. The offense was firing on all cylinders, with standout performances from several players and key moments that set the tone early.

Elijah Andino led the way for the Express by going 4-for-5, including a three-run homer and a triple, while driving in five runs, scoring three times, and stealing a pair of bases. 

On the mound, Anthony Sanchez advances to 4-0 this season for the Express as he started the game and struck out eight batters and gave up just one run on four hits in six innings pitched. Yohansell Manzueta pitched a scoreless inning and stuck out one batter in relief.

Monroe advances to 15-11 overall and 13-0 in regional play. 

The scoring for the Express began in the first inning when Edwin Minaya Jr. singled to right field, bringing home Christopher Marlin to give Monroe a 1-0 lead. That was only the beginning. 

In the second inning, the Express broke the game wide open, racking up eight runs in the frame. Andino drove in Adrian Nunez with a single, followed by a two-RBI hit from Pablo Aquino. A combination of stolen bases and throwing errors allowed more runs to score, and Andino continued the inning with a triple to right center. By the end of the second, the Blue and Gold held a commanding 9-0 lead.

Monroe didn't slow down in the third, adding seven more runs. Patience at the plate paid off with bases-loaded walks from Minaya Jr., Robert Herrera, and Nunez. Andino followed with a clutch two-RBI single, and David Echavarria added a two-run single of his own to stretch the lead to 16-0.

In the fourth inning, Andino continued his monster day at the plate by launching a three-run home run over the left field fence that brought the score to 19-0. His all-around performance was a key factor in Monroe's offensive success.

The sixth inning saw more action as Giovanny Flores scored on a throwing error following a fielder's choice, extending Monroe's lead to 20-0. Dutchess (0-12, 0-12 Region 15) finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth with an unearned run on a passed ball, making it 20-1.

Monroe added its final run in the seventh inning when Yan Ortiz Torres singled to left field, driving in Echavarria for the 21^st run of the contest. Dutchess was unable to mount any further offense, and the game closed with the Express firmly in control.

These two teams will meet again on Saturday, this time in a doubleheader at Roberto Clemente State Park. First pitch is set for 12:00 p.m. 
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University 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 University 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). Catch us on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/MonroeExpress.