Posted: May 15, 2026
Historic Season Comes to a Close as Knights Fall to Garrett in Region 20 Tournament
Garrett College
(31-17)
12
CCBC Essex
(36-14)
4
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Garrett College | 0 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 12 | 10 | 2 |
|
CCBC Essex | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 2 |
May 15, 2026 | Frederick, MD
A remarkable season for CCBC Essex came to an end Friday afternoon at Frederick Community College as Garrett College defeated the Knights 12-4 in the Region 20 Tournament.
The loss concluded a season that saw Essex finish with a 36-15 overall record and a 22-6 Region 20 record, while advancing to the program's fourth Region 20 Final Four appearance in the last five seasons under Head Coach Sean O'Connor.
Garrett used a decisive eight-run second inning to seize control of the elimination game. The Lakers collected five hits in the frame, highlighted by a two-run double from Meyer Cabrera and a grand slam from shortstop Noah Broadwater that pushed Garrett to an early advantage.
The Knights battled throughout the afternoon but were unable to overcome the early deficit.
Garrett added another run in the third inning before freshman outfielder Yariel Hernandez provided a spark for Essex with a solo home run to center field in the fourth inning. Hernandez's blast was one of several bright moments for a Knights offense that continued to compete despite the uphill battle.
Hernandez and Connor Bailey each recorded two hits for Essex, while Joey Rosa drove in two runs from the middle of the lineup.
Michael Amadio, a sophomore left-hander, took the loss, while freshman Ethan Mosteller provided valuable relief work, allowing just one run over 3.1 innings while striking out three.
Garrett finished with 10 hits on the day, led by Broadwater, who delivered one of the tournament's most impressive individual performances. The shortstop went 4-for-4 with seven RBIs, including a grand slam and a three-run home run. Cabrera and Grayden Gillott each added multiple hits for the Lakers.
A Season to Remember
While Friday's result was disappointing, it does not define what the 2026 Knights accomplished.
CCBC Essex finished the season with 36 victories, tying one of the highest win totals in program history. The Knights earned the No. 2 seed in the Region 20 Tournament and continued a run of success that has established Essex as one of the premier junior college programs in the Mid-Atlantic.
The season also marked Sean O'Connor's 150th career victory at CCBC Essex, another milestone for a program that has consistently competed among the region's elite.
The sophomore class leaves behind a lasting legacy. Their leadership, commitment, and competitive spirit helped guide the Knights to one of the most successful seasons in recent memory while establishing a standard of excellence for future Essex teams to follow.
The 2026 team combined veteran leadership, emerging young talent, academic success, and a relentless competitive spirit that carried the Knights through another championship-caliber season.
Although the journey ended short of the program's ultimate goal, the accomplishments of this team will be remembered long after the final out.
The Knights finished the year with 36 wins, a 22-6 Region 20 record, a No. 2 regional seed, and a Final Four appearance, adding another successful chapter to the proud tradition of CCBC Essex Baseball.
The future remains bright for Essex Baseball, but the 2026 Knights have already secured their place among the program's most accomplished teams.