New Rochelle, NY – Home runs from sophomores
Josh Peralta and
Melvin Laracuente helped propel the Monroe University JV baseball team to finish above .500 for the first time since 2018 with its 18-6 victory over Citius Prep on Tuesday.
The Mustangs concluded their season on a five-game streak and finished with a 14-13-1 record. Peralta and Laracuente — who were honored alongside seven of their teammates as a part of sophomore day prior to first pitch — supplied big blasts in the second inning.
With Monroe ahead 8-2, Peralta sent a towering blast over the heightened left field fence to make it 10-2. Later in the frame, Laracuente sent a blistering ball to right center, putting the Mustangs ahead 14-2.
The duo combined for four hits and five RBIs on the day. Fellow sophomore
Ronald Melo also shined in his final game with the Mustangs. He recorded two hits — including a triple— and two RBIs while also facing five batters on the mound for the first pitching nod of his career.
Sophomores
Diego Arias and
Gian Acevedo were the first two arms to appear for the Mustangs, with Arias providing 2.1 one hit innings as the starter followed by Acevedo's three-strikeout outing.
Monroe drew 18 walks in the season finale, constantly pressuring Citius Prep with runners aboard. The Mustangs had a runner in scoring position in each inning, capitalizing in the first three innings. Despite not scoring over the final two frames, the damage had been done.
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as 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 Mustangs, please visit us at
www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (
Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (
@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (
@monroemustangs).
