BRONX, N.Y. — The Monroe University – Bronx baseball team extended its undefeated run in Region 15 play on Saturday, sweeping Nassau Community College in a doubleheader at Roberto Clemente State Park. The Express opened the day with a narrow 5-4 win in Game 1, then followed it up with a commanding 10-1 victory in Game 2 to complete the sweep.
Monroe struck early in the opener, plating two runs in the bottom of the first inning. After
Yan Ortiz Torres reached on an error and
Christopher Marlin singled,
Edwin Minaya Jr. delivered a one-run single to center to give the Express a 1-0 lead.
Anthony Sanchez's hit by pitch allowed Minaya Jr. to come home to extend that lead to 2-0.
In the second inning, Minaya Jr. came through again, driving in two RBIs with another clutch single as part of a two-run frame that extended the lead to 4-0. Another run came in with
Robert Herrera driving in a run on a fielder's choice, letting Marlin score from third.
Nassau battled back with a run in the third and a three-run sixth to make it a one-run game, but the Express' bullpen held firm. Starter
Brylyn Mateo picked up the win, tossing 5.2 innings and striking out three.
Daniel Pena Puente got a key out in relief, and
Luis Roman closed the door in the seventh to earn the save.
At the plate, Minaya Jr. led the offense, going 2-for-3 with three RBIs, while Sanchez added a hit.
Game 2 was all Monroe, as the Express jumped out to another fast start and never looked back. They scored two in the first and broke things open with a three-run third and a four-run fifth.
Pablo Aquino had a monster performance at the top of the order, going 3-for-4 with two triples, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Ortiz Torres continued his stellar day at the plate, finishing 3-for-5 with a home run, double, and two RBIs. Minaya Jr. stayed hot, adding three hits and an RBI, while Herrera, Flores, and Marlin also contributed to the offensive surge.
On the mound, Sanchez improved to 3-0, working 5.0 innings and allowing just one run on three hits while striking out five.
Marcus Rodriguez came on in relief and tossed 2.0 scoreless innings with three strikeouts to close out the win.
Defensively, Monroe turned a key double play and limited mistakes, while Nassau struggled with four errors and couldn't keep up with Monroe's balanced attack.
With the doubleheader sweep, Monroe – Bronx improves to 12-11 overall and 11-0 in Region 15 play, remaining at the top of the standings. Nassau drops to 9-8 for the season and 8-3 against regional opponents.
The Express return to action on Monday, April 7, with a road matchup against NJCAA Division II Sussex County Community College. First pitch is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Chester, N.Y.
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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