BRONX – The Monroe University – Bronx baseball team earned an impressive victory over NJCAA Division II Orange County Community College, 13-2, at Roberto Clemente State Park on Thursday afternoon.

The Express extend their winning streak to five games and advance their record to 9-7.

For the second contest in a row, the victory was clinched via a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth. This time, it was off the bat of Elijah Andino as his two-run blast to left secured the mercy-rule victory for the Blue and Gold. 

During the game, Andino also doubled and scored three times.

"Great job by the offense with situational hitting," Express Head Coach Bryan Diaz said. "Overall, a great all-around team win."

Monroe had a 1-0 lead after a full inning of play but in the top of the second, Orange County (0-8) grabbed the advantage. The lead change happened because Michael Schnitzer drilled a two-run homer to left which gave the Colts a 2-1 benefit.

In the bottom frame, David Echavarria scored on a throwing error to even the game at two runs apiece.

Brylyn Mateo entered the game from the bullpen in the top of the third. He retired the side in order, capped by getting the opposing hitter to strike out looking for the third out.

Monroe – Bronx scored three runs in the bottom of the third. It all started when Andino scored from third base via a balk. Later in the inning, Anthony Sanchez stepped up to the plate with a runner on third and one out. He drilled the ball deep to left and over the fence for a two-run round-tripper to extend the Blue and Gold's lead to 5-2.

Brylyn Mateo had a bit of trouble in the top of the fourth as there were runners on first and second, one out. Ryan Fernandez came up to bat, and he scorched the ball deep to center. Pablo Aquino ran deep to the warning track, jumped up, raised his glove in the air, and made the amazing catch. Both runners had to retreat to their bases. Brylyn Mateo got the next hitter to ground out to second to escape the jam with no damage and preserve Monroe's 5-2 surplus.

In the bottom of the fourth, the Express had runners on second and third, two outs. Adrian Nunez came up and slapped a single to right which scored two runs and gave Monroe more breathing room at 7-2.

Brylyn Mateo tossed another scoreless frame in the top of the fifth, striking out the final two batters he faced to conclude the stanza.

Monroe's bats continued to work in the bottom of the fifth. Echavarria led it off with a double. He ended up scoring on an RBI double courtesy of Abraham Joaquin Taveras. Two batters later, Aquino lined a triple down the right field line which scored both Taveras and Devyn Rolle to inflate Monroe's cushion to 10-2. In the next at-bat, a throwing error in the infield ended up scoring Aquino. After that, Andino came up and drilled the two-run homer that clinched the Express' fifth consecutive victory.

For the Express, Brylyn Mateo got the win out of the bullpen as he struck out four batters, gave up just two hits, and allowed no walks in three shutout innings pitched. Adrian Hernandez started the game for the Express and went two innings, surrendered two hits, just as many runs, only walked one hitter, and fanned four batters.

At the plate for the Express, Nunez went 2-for-3. Juan Carlos Salcedo collected two hits in three at-bats and scored. Echavarria crossed home plate two times and earned a base on balls. Rolle walked twice, while Herrera walked, scored, and drove in a run. Aquino went 2-for-4, scored three times, had two RBIs, and stole a base.

For Orange County, Gavin Rounds started the game and took the loss. 

Monroe – Bronx will battle Queensborough Community College in a Region 15 doubleheader at Padavan-Preller Field in Bellerose, N.Y. on Saturday. First pitch of the regional twin bill is set for noon. 

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).