Second-Inning Surge Lifts CCBC Essex Over Delaware Tech in Game 1

GEORGETOWN, DE — A seven-run second inning powered CCBC Essex to a 12-6 victory over Delaware Tech on Wednesday afternoon in Game 1 of a non-region doubleheader at Delaware Technical Community College. The win marked the second straight victory for the Knights, who are gaining momentum late in the season.

After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, the Knights responded in a big way in the top of the second. The rally started with sophomore Ethan Holland (Salisbury, MD / Parkside) drawing a bases-loaded walk to score one. Sophomore Maxwell Urena (Brooklyn, NY / Christ the King) and sophomore Brody Carroll (Church Hill, MD / Queen Anne's) each followed with RBI walks of their own. Freshman Connor Bailey (Salisbury, MD / Parkside) also drew a walk to bring in another run before a passed ball allowed three more runs to score, capping off the explosive inning and giving Essex a 7-3 lead.

Delaware Tech struck early when Eric Braica launched a two-run homer to left in the bottom of the first. Anthony Russo followed with a bases-loaded walk to give the home team a short-lived 3-0 lead.

Essex added another run in the third when Urena singled to make it 8-3, extending the lead.

Freshman Casey Parsons (Salisbury, MD / Parkside) earned his second straight win as a starter, going six innings and allowing just three hits and three runs (two earned) while striking out seven. He showed poise and command, continuing his strong return to the Eastern Shore.

Delaware Tech starter Patrick Blanch struggled with command, allowing six runs on no hits and five walks over 1.1 innings.

Freshman Danner Swift (Newark, MD / Snow Hill) and sophomore Mitchell Hineline (Mount Wolf, PA / Northeastern) handled the final three innings in relief for CCBC Essex.

At the plate, Holland impressed from the nine spot, going 2-for-2. Urena and Bailey each drove in two runs, while Carroll, Lorenzo Rodriguez-Pozo (Orlando, FL / Lake Nona), and Cameron Brewer (York, PA / Susquehannock) each drew two walks, helping the Knights tally 11 total walks as a team.

For Delaware Tech, Braica's home run and three RBIs led the offense. Graham Buckson and Quincy Martin each had a hit, while Russo walked twice.

Game 2 of the midweek series is scheduled to begin in 30 minutes from Georgetown.