BRONX – The Monroe University – Bronx baseball team continued its winning ways in Region 15 play by defeating Queensborough Community College, 18-8, at Roberto Clemente State Park on Tuesday afternoon. 

The Express are now 4-0 against regional opponents and 8-7 overall. 

Monroe's lineup was productive right away, scoring nine runs in the opening frame. The highlights of Monroe's run production in the first were an RBI double each by Juan Carlos Salcedo and Elijah Andino, a run-scoring single off the bats of Anthony Sanchez and David Echavarria, as well as a two-run double courtesy of Robert Herrera.

After Queensborough (0-9, 0-7 Region 15) got a run back in the top of the second, the Express responded with six more in the bottom frame. During Monroe's six-run second inning, Sanchez tallied a single for two RBIs, while Pablo Aquino lined a run-scoring triple down the right field line. He eventually scored on an RBI single by Herrera which made it 15-1 in favor of Monroe. 

The Express took a 16-1 benefit into the top of the fifth inning. However, Queensborough did not go down quietly. Domenic Ruggerio hit a two-run homer to start the scoring. After the Tigers produced the fourth run on a sacrifice fly, the next two hitters got on base with two outs. Armando Desena drilled a three-run round-tripper to left which narrowed Monroe's lead to 16-7. The next three batters reached to load the bases. Ruggerio drew a walk to score the eighth run and pull the Tigers to within a 16-8 margin.

Monroe made the call to the bullpen and Isaul Lara entered the mound. He struck out the opposing batter swinging for the third out.

In the bottom of the fifth, Sanchez led it off with a walk. Echavarria came up and took the first pitch he saw and launched the ball deep to center and over the wall for a game-clinching two-run homer. Monroe – Bronx earned the 18-8 mercy-rule win.

As a team, the Express produced 13 hits, drew seven walks, and stole just as many bases. Aquino recorded two of those stolen bases and scored three times. Echavarria went 3-for-4 with three runs scored and a trio of RBIs. He also stole a base. Salcedo went 2-for-3 with three runs. Adrian Nunez walked twice, scored just as many times, and singled. Abraham Joaquin Taveras lined a base hit, drove in a run, and scored. Derek Lebron walked, swiped a bag, and tallied a run. Sanchez produced two hits in three at-bats and crossed home plate three times. Herrera went 2-for-2, walked, stole a base, and scored twice. Samuel Hernandez earned a base on balls.

On the mound, Luis Green earned the win for Monroe by striking out five batters, giving up just one hit with one run, and walked two hitters in three innings pitched. Justin Martinez pitched a scoreless frame in relief. 

For Queensborough, Leuris Serrano hit a solo home run as part of a two-hit day and scored twice. On the mound, Anthony Spinelle started the game and took the loss.

Monroe – Bronx will host NJCAA Division II Orange County Community College in a non-region single game on Thursday afternoon. First pitch at Roberto Clemente State 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, 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).