CCBC Essex Rallies Late to Defeat AACC, Improve to 6–0

March 7, 2026 | Arnold, MD

The CCBC Essex Knights continued their undefeated start to the 2026 season on Saturday, rallying late to defeat the Anne Arundel Community College Riverhawks 11–10 in a high-scoring Region 20 contest at Anne Arundel Community College.

With the victory, the Knights improved to 6–0 overall and 4–0 in Region 20 play.

CCBC Essex trailed for much of the game but delivered a dramatic comeback in the top of the seventh inning, scoring six runs on four hits to take the lead. The rally was sparked when Joey Rosa (Carolina, Puerto Rico) battled through a six-pitch at-bat and delivered a two-run single to tie the game.

Rosa then advanced aggressively on the bases, moving to third base before being replaced by Laurin Guerra Guzman (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) as a pinch runner. Guerra Guzman scored on the next pitch when a wild pitch allowed him to cross the plate, giving the Knights the lead for good.

The Knights struck first in the opening inning when Rosa doubled down the left field line to drive in a run, and Steven Gonzalez Rodriguez (Cidra, Puerto Rico) added a sacrifice fly to make it 2–0.

Anne Arundel quickly responded, erupting for six runs in the bottom of the first inning to take control of the game. The Riverhawks added two more runs in the second inning and another in the third to extend their lead to 9–3.

Despite the early deficit, Essex chipped away and remained within striking distance before its decisive rally in the seventh inning.

Rosa led the Knights offensively, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. Gonzalez Rodriguez, Yariel Hernandez (Moca, Puerto Rico), and Diego Garcia (Bradenton, Florida) each collected two hits as part of Essex's nine-hit attack.

The Knights also showed patience at the plate, drawing 10 walks during the game.

On the mound, Zacchaeus Artry (Memphis, Tennessee) earned the win in relief, allowing just one hit over two scoreless innings while striking out two. Joseph Cuccurullo (Palm City, Florida) closed out the game to record the save.

Earlier in the game, Sebastyen Perez (Woodbridge, Virginia) provided key relief innings for the Knights, while Casey Parsons (Salisbury, Maryland) made the start.

AACC finished with 11 hits in the game, led by Cozzone with three hits, while Davidson, Swan, Fleshman, and Hodges each drove in two runs for the Riverhawks.

CCBC Essex will look to continue its strong start when the Knights travel to face College of Southern Maryland in their next Region 20 matchup.