SELDEN, N.Y. - The Monroe University - Bronx Express baseball team (17-12, 15-1 Region 15) took its first Region 15 loss of the season on Friday afternoon, falling 8-4 to nationally ranked No. 7 Suffolk County Community College (24-10, 12-2 Region 15). Despite a late offensive surge, the Express couldn't overcome an early deficit in a competitive matchup on the road. Both teams are 1-1 against each other this year.

Suffolk County got on the board in the bottom of the first with a two-run homer to right field and held Monroe scoreless through the first four innings. The Express finally broke through in the fifth inning when Yan Ortiz Torres drove in a run to make it a 4-1 game, but Suffolk quickly responded with a two-run frame of their own in the bottom half. Three more runs in the sixth gave the Sharks a 7-1 lead, making Monroe's climb even steeper.

In the top of the seventh, Monroe put together its strongest offensive inning of the day. Anthony Sanchez delivered an RBI single, and Abraham Joaquin Taveras added a run-scoring hit of his own to bring the Express to within three. Elijah Andino also played a key role in the rally, reaching base and scoring for the second time in the game. However, Suffolk tacked on one more run in the eighth, and Monroe was unable to generate any more offense in the final two innings.

Jayden Moya was tagged with the loss, pitching 5.1 innings and giving up seven runs (six earned) on nine hits while striking out five and walking just one. He was relieved by Justin Martinez, who threw 1.2 scoreless innings, Daniel Peña Puente, and Leonardo Martinez.

Monroe's bats showed signs of life throughout the lineup, finishing with 10 hits. Robert Herrera led the charge, going 2-for-4 with a double, a triple, and a run scored. Sanchez also had a strong day at the plate, collecting two hits, an RBI, and a walk. Joaquin Taveras went 2-for-4 and added an RBI of his own. Ortiz Torres contributed with an RBI single, and Andino reached base three times, scoring twice and stealing a base.

Despite the setback, the Express showed grit and offensive depth late in the game. The loss moves Monroe to 15-1 in Region 15 play as they look to bounce back at home on Saturday, April 19, when they continue its four-game series against Suffolk County with a doubleheader at Roberto Clemente Park. First pitch is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

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. 
 
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