Late Run Costs CCBC Essex as Knights Drop Fourth Straight Region Game

Late Run Costs CCBC Essex as Knights Drop Fourth Straight Region Game

CATONSVILLE, MD – CCBC Essex (7-7, 4-4 Region 20) battled until the final out, but CCBC Catonsville pulled away late for a 5-4 victory in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader. The game was tied at four in the bottom of the sixth when Hurtado's RBI single proved to be the game-winner.

Early Scoring & Bailey's Power Surge

  • CCBC Essex jumped ahead early in the first inning:
    • Sophomore Justin Cook (Bradenton, FL) delivered an RBI single.
    • Freshman Connor Bailey (Salisbury, MD) launched a two-run home run to left field, his third of the season.
  • Catonsville responded in the bottom of the first with a solo home run by Palumbo.
  • In the second inning, Catonsville's Faulkner hit a three-run homer, giving them a 4-3 lead.

Essex Fights Back, But Falls Short

  • Freshman Lorenzo Rodriguez Pozo (Orlando, FL) tied the game at 4-4 with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.
  • Catonsville took the lead for good in the bottom of the sixth on Hurtado's RBI single.
  • Essex threatened in the top of the seventh, getting the leadoff man on base, but left two runners stranded without being able to tie the game.

Pitching Recap

  • Freshman Logan Castro (Brantford, ON, Canada) took the loss (0-1), allowing one unearned run on two hits over one inning, striking out one.
  • Sophomore Logan Bennett (Forest Hills, NY) started for Essex, working five innings, allowing four runs on three hits, striking out five, but struggling with command (eight walks).
  • Catonsville's Tapia Melo earned the win, allowing one run on two hits over 2.2 innings, striking out two.

Offensive Highlights

  • CCBC Essex out-hit Catonsville 9-5, but couldn't capitalize late.
  • Sophomore Eduardo Zayas (Cidra, PR) and Cameron Brewer (York, PA) each had two hits for Essex.
  • Bailey (1-for-3, 2 RBIs) continued his strong day, homering in both games of the doubleheader.
  • Zayas swiped two bases.
  • Faulkner led Catonsville with three RBIs, while Grajales drew two walks.
  • Catonsville showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks.

What's Next?

  • CCBC Essex (7-7, 4-4 Region 20) will travel to CCBC Dundalk for a region doubleheader on Thursday. First pitch is set for 1:00 PM.
  • The next home game is a doubleheader on Saturday, March 15, at The Kingdom, starting at Noon, as Essex hosts nationally ranked Erie Community College (NY).