CHESTER, N.Y. - The Monroe University - Bronx baseball team secured a dominant 14-4 victory over NJCAA Division II Sussex County Community College, at Frozen Ropes Baseball Field, on Monday afternoon. It was a game where the Express' offense exploded early and maintained pressure throughout. The win was highlighted by multiple home runs, key hits, and timely runs that left little room for Sussex to mount a serious challenge.
 
Leading the way for Monroe (13-11) was Edwin Minaya Jr. who drilled two home runs, collected three hits total, drove in a trio of runs, and scored twice. On the mound, Myles Pleasants earned the win for the Express as he struck out five batters and gave up just one run in six innings pitched. 
 
Monroe wasted no time asserting themselves in the first inning. Christopher Marlin singled through the left side, driving in Pablo Aquino for the game's first run. The very next batter, Minaya Jr., launched a two-run home run to center field, pushing the score to 3-0 and setting the tone for the game. 
 
The Express continued to extend their lead in the second inning. A solo home run by Abraham Joaquin Taveras made it 4-0, and shortly after, Robert Herrera walked in a run to make it 5-0. Then, Adrian Nunez stepped up with a two-RBI single to left field, scoring Herrera and Marlin, while also advancing to second base on the throw. This gave Monroe a commanding 7-0 lead.
 
Sussex County (13-14) managed to get on the board in the bottom of the second inning when Brandon Weir grounded into a double play, allowing Jake Klein to score, narrowing the gap to 7-1. However, Monroe quickly answered back in the third inning. Taveras advanced to third on a passed ball and then scored on a throwing error by Sussex's catcher, extending Monroe's lead to 8-1. 
 
In the fourth inning, Herrera grounded into a double play, but it brought in Marlin for Monroe's ninth run, further solidifying its commanding position.
 
The Express' offense kept rolling in the middle innings. In the fifth, Aquino singled through the right side to bring in Anthony Sanchez, making the score 10-1. Monroe added to its lead again in the sixth inning when Minaya Jr. hit his second home run of the game, a solo shot to center field, making it 11-1. 
 
The seventh inning was another big one for the Express with Aquino doubling down the left-field line to score Juan Diaz, pushing the score to 12-1. Yan Ortiz Torres followed with an RBI double, and Marlin added another RBI single, making it 14-1.
 
Sussex County tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the seventh, with Reed Peterson hitting a three-run home run to center field. This shot scored Seiji Umezawa and Weir along with Peterson himself, bringing the score to 14-4. Despite this rally, it wasn't enough to erase the large deficit, and Monroe held on for the 14-4 win.
 
Overall, the Express' offense was relentless, with multiple players contributing key hits and home runs throughout the game. Their early scoring and consistent pressure proved too much for Sussex to overcome, as Monroe cruised to a well-earned victory. The game showcased the team's offensive depth and solid execution, securing a decisive win that highlighted its strong performance on both sides of the ball.
 
On the mound for Monroe, Sael Flete struck out a pair of hitters in relief. Isaul Lara got the last out of the game to clinch the victory for the Blue and Gold.
 
Monroe – Bronx, winners of 13 of its last 15 games and receiving votes in the NJCAA Division III Baseball National Poll, will open a four-game Region 15 series against Dutchess Community College on Tuesday afternoon. First pitch at Heritage Financial Park is set for 3:30 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.