Posted: Apr 06, 2026
Knights Complete Region Sweep, Earn National Ranking Behind Hernandez’s Big Day
Game 2
Game 2
CCBC Essex
10
CC of Allegheny County
5
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CCBC Essex | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 1 |
|
CC of Allegheny County | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 0 |
April 6, 2026 - Allegheny County, PA
CCBC Essex closed out a dominant day on the road with another statement win, defeating the Community College of Allegheny County (PA) 10-5 to complete a Region 20 doubleheader sweep.
With the victory, the Knights improve to 13-1 in Region 20 play, extend their region winning streak, and remain alone atop the standings.
The nightcap belonged to Yariel Hernandez (Fr., Moca, PR), who powered the Essex offense with two home runs and four RBIs, delivering big swings in both the second and fourth innings.
Essex wasted no time jumping on CCAC early. In the first inning, Joey Rosa (Fr., Carolina, PR) lifted a sacrifice fly to open the scoring before Marvin Rodriguez (Fr., Bronx, NY) doubled in a run. Moments later, Chase launched a two-run home run to give the Knights a 4-0 lead.
The offense stayed hot in the second inning, adding four more runs behind home runs from Diaz, Hernandez, and Rosa, pushing the lead to 8-0 and putting CCAC in an early hole.
Hernandez added his second long ball of the day in the fourth inning, a solo shot that kept Essex firmly in control.
On the mound, Yadier Henriquez Lopez (Soph., Harrisburg, PA) earned the win, going five innings while allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits and striking out three.
Out of the bullpen, Zacchaeus Artry (Fr., Memphis, TN) was dominant, tossing two shutout innings while allowing just one hit and striking out two to close the door.
The Knights finished with 10 hits, with Hernandez and Martínez Rivera each collecting two hits while hitting back-to-back in the lineup.
Defensively, Essex turned two double plays, continuing to play clean baseball behind their pitching staff.
Following the game, more big news followed for the program.
The Knights were officially named the No. 25 ranked team in NJCAA Division II baseball, marking the first national ranking since 2019 and the first under Head Coach Sean O'Connor.
The win also caps off the opening leg of a demanding stretch, as Essex continues its 11-game road trip through Western Pennsylvania.
The Knights will now travel to face Westmoreland County Community College on Tuesday, marking just the second series in program history at Westmoreland, as they look to keep their momentum rolling.