BRONX - The Monroe University - Bronx baseball team (17-14, 15-3 Region 15) dropped both games of a hard-fought Region 15 doubleheader to nationally ranked No. 7 Suffolk County Community College (26-10, 14-2 Region 15) on Saturday afternoon at Roberto Clemente State Park. Despite holding a late lead in Game 1 and a rally in Game 2, the Express were unable to win either contest, falling 6-5 and 11-2 and losing their first-place spot in the Region 15 standings.

Monroe opened the first game strong, plating a run in each of the first two innings and building a 5-1 lead through six innings. Yadiel Santana launched a solo home run in the fifth, while Robert Herrera and Christopher Marlin each added RBI hits. Pablo Aquino sparked the offense with two hits and two stolen bases, and Elijah Andino also contributed with two hits and an RBI.

Starting pitcher Brylyn Mateo was effective through five innings, allowing just one unearned run on four hits. However, the bullpen faltered in the seventh as Suffolk County erupted for five runs to take a 6-5 lead. Monroe threatened in the bottom of the seventh, putting runners on second and third with nobody out, but could not complete the comeback. Isaul Lara took the loss in relief.

The second game started quietly but quickly unraveled for Monroe in the second inning when Suffolk County plated four runs and never looked back. The Sharks continued to pile on, hitting three home runs in the game and scoring in five different innings.

The Express found some life in the sixth inning, scoring two runs behind RBI hits from Herrera and Edwin Minaya Jr. 

Gregory Cabrera led Monroe offensively in the second game with two hits and a walk, while Jesus Guerrero and Joeliel Cruz also added base hits. However, Monroe struggled to string together enough offense to keep up with Suffolk's power.

Anthony Sanchez took the loss on the mound, giving up six earned runs over three innings. Leonardo Martinez and Sael Flete pitched in relief but couldn't slow down Suffolk's hot bats.

After a tough day on the field, Monroe will shift its focus to the next matchup. The Express will look to bounce back when they host defending two-time Region 15 Champion Kingsborough Community College on Tuesday, April 22, at 4:00 PM at Roberto Clemente State Park.

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.