CCBC Essex Falls to College of Southern Maryland in Game 1 of Region 20 Doubleheader Despite Strong Offensive Performance

Rosedale, MD – Despite a solid showing at the plate, CCBC Essex came up short against College of Southern Maryland, falling 11-8 in the opener of Tuesday's Region 20 doubleheader at The Kingdom. Both offenses came alive, with CCBC Essex tallying 10 hits and College of Southern Maryland collecting 12.

The loss brings CCBC Essex's record to 10-9 on the year and 6-5 in Region 20. This marks an important East Division matchup, where the Knights will aim to bounce back in Game 2 of the doubleheader.

The Hawks struck first in the top of the first inning when Yunior Pena drew a bases-loaded walk, scoring one run.

The Knights quickly responded in the bottom half of the frame. Rafael Castillo (Queens, NY / High School for Construction Trades, Engineering, and Architecture) launched a two-run home run to left field—his fourth of the season—giving Essex a 2-1 lead.

However, College of Southern Maryland flipped the game in the top of the second, erupting for five runs on three hits to take a 6-2 advantage. The inning was highlighted by Pena's three-run double on an 0-2 count.

The Hawks extended their lead further in the third, plating two more runs with back-to-back RBI doubles from Caleb Bean and Waldy Reyes, making it 8-2.

Arnaldo Carrion (Wellington, FL / Wellington) took the loss for CCBC Essex. The sophomore allowed seven hits and seven runs over three innings, striking out three and walking six.

Gabriel Rodriguez started for College of Southern Maryland, allowing eight hits and six runs (five earned) over four innings while striking out two and walking two.

CCBC Essex kept battling, racking up 10 hits in the contest. Justin Cook (Bradenton, FL / Manatee), Maxwell Urena (Brooklyn, NY / Christ the King), Ethan Holland (Salisbury, MD / Parkside), and Jimmy Perez (Queens, NY / High School for Arts and Business) each recorded two hits.

Cook, Urena, and Castillo each drove in two runs. Eduardo Zayas (Cidra, PR / Bilingual Education School at Cidra) was a menace on the basepaths, swiping two bags, while the Knights stole three bases as a team.

For College of Southern Maryland, Bean and Mason McReynolds led the charge with three hits apiece. Pena and Bean each drove in three runs, while Reyes contributed two hits in four at-bats. The Hawks were patient at the plate, drawing 10 walks, with Dorian Arraiz and Tyree Claxton leading the way with two free passes each.

The Knights will look to bounce back in Game 2, which is scheduled to start 30 minutes after the conclusion of Game 1.