NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y., April 30, 2019 – Daniel Alfonzo tied the Monroe College Mustangs single-season home run record on Tuesday, as the Mustangs capped off the regular season with a win, taking a 9-1 decision on the road at SUNY Sullivan. The Mustangs finish the regular season with a 23-20 record and carry a five-game winning streak into the postseason, while the Generals drop to 17-20 with the loss.
 
Alfonzo blasted a leadoff solo homer in the top of the ninth inning to tie the Mustangs' single-season record of eight home runs in a single season. The record was previously set by Cam Crabbe during the 2016 season, in which the sophomore also batted .284 with 44 RBIs and 48 runs scored across 53 games. Alfonzo tied the record in just his 35th game this year.
 
The Mustangs got things started quickly in the top of the first on Tuesday. Gustavo Gonzalez was hit by a pitch to lead off the game. Daniel Alfonzo was also hit with a pitch two batters later to put two on with two outs. Joseph Encarnacion followed with a single into center, scoring Gonzalez from second to take an early 1-0 lead.
 
The Mustangs added to their lead in the top of the second. Leandy Castro led off with a double to left, and then Adner Mercado quickly knocked him in with an RBI single to right, making it a 2-0 ballgame.
 
The lead grew once again for the Mustangs in the top of the fifth. Freddy Rojas Jr. was on second with one away when Encarnacion flew out to center. Rojas tagged up to third, and an error by the shortstop allowed him to continue toward home and score, making it a 3-0 lead for Monroe.
 
The Generals got on the board in the home half of the fifth when Giovanni Diaz hit a leadoff solo homer to center, cutting the deficit to two runs.
 
Gonzalez led off the seventh with a line-drive double to left. Neifi Mercedes then drew a walk, and a passed ball allowed Gonzalez to move to third and put runners on the corners. Rojas grounded into a fielder's choice, but was able to bring in Gonzalez to make it a 4-1 game. Two batters later, Encarnacion launched a two-run homer to center, leaving the Mustangs on top, 6-1.
 
Jose Martinez pinch hit to lead off the top of the eighth for Monroe. He smacked a triple to right, and then scored during the next at-bat on a wild pitch to make it a 7-1 game.
 
The top of the ninth kicked off with Alfonzo's record-tying homer, giving the Mustangs a seven-run advantage. Chris Javier followed by reaching on an error, and then Iasid Bernal hit a double to left. Thomas Drouin then knocked in Javier with an infield single toward first, bringing the score to 9-1.
 
Elvin Ramos was the second of seven pitchers for the Mustangs on Tuesday, earning the victory with two innings of work to improve to 1-1. He allowed just one hit and no runs while striking out two batters. Devin Edwards took the loss for Sullivan to fall to 2-3.
 
Alfonzo finished 1-for-4 in the game, but still managed to slam his eighth homer of the season in the win. Encarnacion finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, a run and his fifth home run of the year. Rojas hit 2-for-5 with a double, two runs and an RBI. Gonzalez scored twice after hitting 1-for-4 with a two-bagger.
 
The Mustangs are now set for the 2019 Region XV Championship Series, which they will host against ASA College this week. The best-of-five series begins on Wednesday, May 1, and will be held in its entirety at Dick Caswell Field in New Rochelle. Wednesday's matchup is set to begin at 3 p.m.
 
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE COLLEGE
The athletic program at Monroe College encompasses a total of 30 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as club men's and women's rugby, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Monroe Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus as of the fall of 2017, has 11 varsity and junior varsity teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
 
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeCollegeMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe College Athletics), Twitter (@Monroe_Mustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).