Miami Gardens, FL – Monroe University built an early cushion and carried the lead into the late innings, but St. Thomas rallied in the eighth to hand the Mustangs a tough 8-7 setback Monday night.
Monroe struck first with a big third inning, plating four runs to seize control. Gavin Marchese delivered the key swing with a two-run triple to right, while Nair Jaminka added an RBI single and another run scored on a passed ball to cap the frame.
The Mustangs continued to add on. Jesus Nieves singled home a run in the fourth, Ryan Marchina brought one across with an RBI single in the fifth, and Tai Vic Tromp knocked in George Gustafson with an RBI single in the sixth to stretch the lead to 7-2.
Marchese paced the offense with three hits and two RBIs, while Jaminka collected two hits and an RBI. Nieves scored once, drove in a run, and swiped two bases. Gustafson added a double and two runs scored as Monroe totaled nine hits and applied pressure on the basepaths with five stolen bases.
On the mound, Allans Munoz and Luis Pagan combined to keep St. Thomas in check through the middle innings, and Julio Gonzalez struck out three in a clean relief appearance.
St. Thomas, however, chipped away late. A two-run sixth cut into the deficit before the Bobcats erupted for four runs in the eighth, capitalizing on hits and defensive miscues to take their first lead of the night.
Monroe threatened but was retired in order in the ninth as the comeback fell just short.
The Mustangs will look to regroup and bounce back as they face St. Petersburg College tomorrow at 1:00 and 4:00 PM.
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).
