FLEMINGTON, N.J. - The Monroe University – Bronx Express baseball team earned an impressive comeback victory on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Raritan Valley Community College 18–10 at Diamond Nation in Flemington, New Jersey. The Express improve to 2–4 in the season after erupting for 16 runs across the final five innings. The Lions drop to 5-2.
After falling behind 8-0 early, the Express began their rally in the fifth inning when Pablo Aquino launched a two-run home run to center field, scoring him and Abraham Joaquin Taveras to cut the deficit to six.
The Express' offense exploded in the sixth inning, plating 10 runs to take control of the game. Derek Lebron drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk before Aquino drew another walk that forced in a run. Robert Herrera, Anthony Sanchez, and Joshua Osorio were all hit by pitches with the bases loaded to bring in additional runs. Juan Diaz delivered a clutch two-run single through the right side, and moments later Angel Tineo capped the inning with a three-run home run, giving the Express a commanding 12–8 lead.
Monroe - Bronx continued to add to its advantage in the eighth inning. Diaz struck again, this time with a three-run home run to left field to score him, Osorio, and Sanchez. Later in the inning, Joaquin Taveras lifted a sacrifice fly that brought Adrian Nunez home to extend the lead.
The Express added two more insurance runs in the ninth inning. Nunez drew a bases-loaded walk to force in a run before Tineo grounded into a double play that allowed Osorio to score.
Several Monroe players delivered strong offensive performances in the victory. Diaz finished 2-for-2 with five RBIs and three runs scored, while Aquino went 1-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. Tineo added a three-run home run, while Sanchez recorded two hits and three runs scored. Lebron and Joaquin Taveras each contributed an RBI, and Monroe showed strong plate discipline by drawing 12 walks in the game.
On the mound, the Express' pitching staff helped settle the game after the early innings. Luis Green delivered a strong outing in relief, allowing just one run while striking out four over four innings to earn the win. Sanchez closed it out by pitching a scoreless ninth inning to secure the victory for the Express.
"Tremendous job by our bullpen to keep the game close for our offense to get it going after a bumpy first few innings," Express Head Coach Bryan Diaz said.
Monroe finished the contest with 10 hits and 18 runs, highlighted by three home runs combined from Aquino, Diaz, and Tineo as the Express completed a remarkable comeback victory.
Monroe University – Bronx will return to action on Sunday, March 15, when the Express travel to Rockville, Maryland for a doubleheader against NJCAA Division II Montgomery College – Rockville. The first pitch of Game 1 is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the second game set to begin at 3 p.m. at Montgomery College Baseball Field.
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, 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).
