SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – The Monroe University – Bronx baseball team secured its 12th consecutive victory on Monday afternoon, outslugging Ulster County Community College in a 21-8 win at Cantine Field.
The Express' offense was firing on all cylinders, racking up 21 runs on 12 hits while drawing 13 walks.
Adrian Nunez led the way with five runs scored and five RBIs, including a massive grand slam in the seventh inning.
Anthony Sanchez also provided plenty of power, finishing with five runs scored and three RBIs, highlighted by a solo home run in the second frame.
After trailing 2-0 early in the bottom of the first, Monroe took the lead in the top of the second with a five-run outburst. Sanchez's solo blast got the scoring started, followed by RBI walks from
Yaxiel Morales De Jesús and
Robert Herrera. A hit-by-pitch from
Pablo Aquino with the bases loaded brought in another run, and Nunez added a fielder's choice RBI to cap the inning.
The Express padded their lead in the third after Ulster County (12-9) briefly reclaimed a 6-5 advantage.
Derek Lebron doubled home
David Echavarria to tie the game, followed by a sacrifice fly from
Abraham Joaquin Taveras to regain the lead. An RBI ground out from Aquino brought home the final run of the frame to make it 8-6. Monroe continued the pressure in the fifth, scoring three more times on a fielder's choice and two runs crossing on passed balls.
Monroe blew the game wide open in the final frame, exploding with eight runs to pull away. Following an RBI single by Echavarria and a two-run single by
Devyn Rolle, the Express loaded the bases for Nunez. He stepped to the plate and blasted a grand slam to left field to put the Blue and Gold up 21-6. Sanchez added a final single to cap a 12-hit performance for the visitors.
On the mound,
Brylyn Mateo earned his third win of the season, pitching four innings and navigating a high-scoring contest. He struck out one and walked five while surrendering five earned runs.
Isaul Lara came on in relief to earn the three-inning save, striking out two and surrendering only two hits to shut the door on the Senators.
"Absolute team win," Express Head Coach
Bryan Diaz said. "
Isaul Lara Brito kept us in the game and gave way for our offense to do its job."
Several Express players stood out at the plate as Nunez and Sanchez both crossed the plate five times. Echavarria finished the day 4-for-5 with two runs scored, while Rolle contributed two hits and two RBIs. Lebron also stayed hot, reaching base multiple times and scoring three runs. Monroe was also aggressive on the bases, stealing a total of nine bags, including three by Morales De Jesús and two by Joaquin Taveras.
Sam Buquet started for Ulster County and took the loss, pitching two innings and allowing eight earned runs.
With the win, the Express improve to 16-7 overall and have now won 12 games in a row. Monroe will look to continue the winning streak when they face Dutchess Community College in a Region 15 match on April 14 at Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx, N.Y. First pitch is scheduled 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.
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