BRONX - After dropping to second place in the Region 15 standings over the weekend, the Monroe University - Bronx baseball team (18-14, 16-3 Region 15) came out hungry for a turnaround—and they got one in emphatic fashion. The Express erupted for 22 runs in a commanding 22-6 victory over the defending two-time Region 15 Champion Kingsborough Community College (22-9, 15-6 Region 15) on Tuesday afternoon at Roberto Clemente State Park. Determined to bounce back, Monroe's offense exploded for 16 hits and 17 walks, putting together one of its most complete and dominant performances of the season in the seven-inning run-rule win against the Wave who are receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division III Baseball Poll.

The Express were led by Pablo Aquino and Anthony Sanchez who both hit grand slams and each produced two home runs total during the afternoon. 

"It was a great win for us, bouncing back from the weekend," Aquino said. "It felt great because everyone on the team did their jobs. The pitching and hitting were there for us."

After a scoreless first inning, Monroe exploded for five runs in the second and never looked back. The offense continued to pour it on, scoring five more runs in each of the third and fourth innings, four in the fifth, and three in the sixth. The Express lineup batted around several times, capitalizing on Kingsborough's defensive miscues and erratic pitching to stay in control throughout the contest.

Aquino had a monster day at the plate, going 3-for-5 with two home runs, a double, and a walk while setting a program single-game record with eight RBIs. The previous program record for RBIs in a game was seven held by both Ernie Farrell (at Queensborough on April 25, 2023) and Camilo Rodriguez (against Kingsborough on April 14, 2023). 

After blasting a grand slam in the second inning to open the floodgates, Aquino added a two-run homer in the fifth and an RBI double in the fourth. Aquino also showcased his speed with a stolen base and made solid contributions defensively in center field. His presence at the top of the lineup set the tone early and helped fuel Monroe's dominant offensive rhythm.

Sanchez continued his tear at the plate with a career performance of his own, going 3-for-4 with two home runs, five RBIs, a walk, and four runs scored. The freshman infielder crushed a grand slam in the third inning and followed it up with a solo blast in the fifth. Sanchez's power display helped the Express build their early lead and maintain it, providing clutch hits in key moments. He also played a steady third base before giving way to Jesus Guerrero later in the game.

"It was a good team win for us today against the defending Region 15 Champions," Sanchez said. "Everybody on the team had good at-bats. At the plate, I was sitting on fastballs the entire time, trying to drive something to the gaps and they ended up being home runs."

Several other players contributed to Monroe's offensive surge. Robert Herrera finished 3-for-4 with two RBIs, two walks, and three runs scored. Christopher Marlin drove in two runs, while Sael Flete delivered a two-run double in the sixth. Edwin Minaya Jr. recorded two hits and two RBIs, while Gregory Cabrera had three hits, walked twice, and crossed home plate five times. Adrian Nunez and Elijah Andino combined for three walks, continuing Monroe's discipline at the plate.

On the mound, Myles Pleasants earned the win, throwing 5.2 innings while giving up three runs on seven hits and striking out six. He was efficient and in command until the sixth inning, when Daniel Peña Puente came in to record the final out. Jose Mejia pitched the seventh, allowing three runs on three hits but securing the final outs to seal the run-rule win for the Blue and Gold.

With this dominant performance, the Monroe Express bounced back in convincing fashion and continued to assert themselves as a force iin Region 15. 

Monroe's Region 15 doubleheader against Dutchess Community College, scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at Flowers Park, has been postponed and will be rescheduled before the end of the season. As a result, the Express' next game will be the second game of the four-game series against Kingsborough on Friday afternoon. First pitch at Roberto Clemente State Park is set for 4:00 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.