CCBC Essex Moves to 5-0 After Dominant Win Over AACC

March 7, 2026 | Arnold, Md.

The CCBC Essex Knights continued their hot start to the 2026 season on Saturday, defeating the Anne Arundel Community College Riverhawks 11-1 to improve to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in Region 20 play.

Behind a dominant performance on the mound from Mekhi Mancuso (Baltimore, MD), the Knights controlled the game from start to finish at Anne Arundel Community College.

Mancuso struck out 10 batters in four innings, allowing just three hits and one run while issuing three walks. The right-hander set the tone early, overpowering Riverhawk hitters and keeping AACC off balance throughout his outing.

The Knights' offense broke the game open in the second inning, scoring eight runs in a decisive rally.

Shortstop Manuel Agostini (Toa Baja, Puerto Rico) delivered a key two-run double to center field to spark the inning. Later in the frame, Joey Rosa (Carolina, Puerto Rico) added a two-run single, and catcher Gabriel Vargas (Cidra, Puerto Rico) followed with a two-run double as Essex quickly built a commanding lead.

Essex opened the scoring in the first inning when Connor Bailey (Salisbury, MD) drove a double into the gap to plate the game's first run.

The Knights continued to add pressure in the third inning. Agostini recorded another extra-base hit with a double to center field, while Bailey followed with a single down the left field line to drive in another run.

Bailey led the Knights offensively, going 3-for-4 at the plate, while Agostini finished 2-for-4 with three RBIs, helping anchor the Essex lineup.

Defensively, CCBC Essex played a clean game and did not commit an error.

Ethan Mosteller (Harrisburg, PA) added a scoreless inning in relief, allowing no hits while walking two.

For AACC, Cozzone, Peacock, and Fleshman each recorded a hit, while Peacock drove in the Riverhawks' lone run.

With the victory, the Knights remain undefeated early in the season and continue to establish themselves as one of the top teams in NJCAA Region 20.

CCBC Essex will return to action shortly as they continue their matchup with Anne Arundel in the second game of the day.