Clearwater, FL- The Monroe University Mustangs came out swinging and never looked back, putting up seven runs in the first two innings and riding that fast start to a 14–9 win over St. Petersburg College Titans on Tuesday afternoon in Clearwater.
Monroe wasted no time taking control, plating five runs in the opening frame and adding two more in the second to build a quick 7–0 cushion. The Mustangs then delivered the knockout punch in the fourth, exploding for six runs to stretch the lead to 13–3 and seize full command of the game.
The lineup produced up and down the order, finishing with 18 hits and constant pressure on the bases. Matthew DeFisher paced the offense with three hits, three runs scored, and three RBIs. Alejandro Bernard drove in a team-high four runs on a 3-for-5 performance, while Mario Bernard added three hits and crossed the plate twice. Jason Guzman and Miguel Mercado each recorded two hits and two RBIs, and Josh Parsons chipped in with a pair of hits to keep innings alive throughout the middle innings.
Monroe also stayed aggressive on the basepaths, with stolen bases from Jesus Nieves and Nair Jamanika to keep the defense on its heels and turn singles into scoring opportunities.
On the mound, the Mustangs pieced together the win with strong relief work. Ricardo Feliz tossed three scoreless innings with four strikeouts to steady the middle frames, and Edwin Nunez earned the victory out of the bullpen. The staff combined for nine strikeouts and limited the damage when St. Petersburg tried to rally late.
The Titans pushed across three runs in both the fifth and sixth to make things interesting, but Monroe answered with an insurance run and shut the door in the seventh to seal it.
Monroe finished with 14 runs on 18 hits and played clean, error-free defense, using an explosive start and balanced attack to secure Game 1.
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).
