Offense Stays Hot as CCBC Essex Rolls Past College of Southern Maryland in Game 2 of Doubleheader

Rosedale, MD – The CCBC Essex Knights bounced back in a big way on Tuesday, dominating College of Southern Maryland in Game 2 of their Region 20 doubleheader. The Knights cruised to a 12-2 victory, showing off their offensive firepower and solid pitching.

CCBC Essex wasted no time getting on the board in the bottom of the first inning. An error by College of Southern Maryland allowed a run to score, and then Sophomore Justin Cook ( Bradenton, FL / Manatee) singled to drive in another. Freshman Connor Bailey ( Salisbury, MD / Parkside) followed with a single of his own, scoring one more, and Freshman Casey Parsons ( Salisbury, MD / Parkside) capped the scoring in the inning with a two-RBI double, giving Essex a 5-0 lead after one.

The offense continued to roll as the game went on, with CCBC Essex adding seven more runs in the ensuing innings. The team finished with 10 hits and took advantage of 10 walks, showing great patience at the plate. Parsons, hitting in the eight spot, was a standout performer, going 2-for-2 with three RBIs. Sophomore Eduardo Zayas (Cidra, PR / Bilingual Education School at Cidra) also contributed with two hits and three stolen bases, as the Knights ran wild on the basepaths, swiping five bases in the game.

On the mound, Sophomore Mitchell Bayles ( Richmond, VA / Glen Allen) earned the win for CCBC Essex, pitching five and two-thirds innings, allowing five hits and two runs while striking out five and walking three. Bayles was efficient and kept the Hawks offense in check throughout his outing. Freshman Drew Rommel ( Fallston, MD / Fallston) came on in relief, completing the game for Essex.

College of Southern Maryland managed five hits in the contest, with Dorian Arraiz, Yunior Pena, Tyree Claxton, Waldy Reyes, and Mason McReynolds all collecting one hit apiece. Arraiz and McReynolds each drove in one run for the Hawks. College of Southern Maryland also showed good defense, turning two double plays in the game.

Overall, it was a strong performance for CCBC Essex, who capitalized on walks, steals, and timely hitting. The team was flawless defensively, committing no errors, and Cameron Brewer (York, PA / Susquehannock) made the most plays with five in the field.

The Knights improve to 11-9 on the season, 7-5 in Region 20, and now look ahead to a challenging matchup against undefeated Hagerstown in a Region 20 doubleheader on Saturday at noon.