Fourth-Inning Collapse Dooms CCBC Essex in Tough Loss to Garrett College

Rosedale, MD – A promising start for CCBC Essex quickly unraveled as a disastrous fourth inning led to an 11-4 defeat against Garrett College on Saturday. The Knights seemed poised to take control early but couldn't recover after surrendering seven runs in a single frame, suffering a frustrating setback in Region 20 play. With the loss, CCBC Essex falls to 14-13 overall and 10-9 in Region 20 competition.

Garrett College struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on a two-run double from Gonzales. However, CCBC Essex responded in the bottom of the third, momentarily seizing the momentum. Sophomore Maxwell Urena (Brooklyn, NY / Christ the King) doubled to drive in two runs, Sophomore Jimmy Perez (Queens, NY / High School for Arts and Business) followed with an RBI double, and Sophomore Justin Cook (Bradenton, FL / Manatee) added a run-scoring single to give the Knights a 4-2 advantage.

But just as quickly as they took the lead, the game slipped away. Garrett College exploded in the top of the fourth, stringing together five hits and taking full advantage of CCBC Essex's mistakes. The dagger came when Gonzales crushed a three-run homer to right field, putting the game out of reach and shifting all momentum to the visitors.

Freshman Yadier Henriquez-Lopez (Harrisburg, PA / Central Dauphin East) (3-1) got the start for CCBC Essex but struggled to keep Garrett's offense in check. The right-hander allowed seven hits and eight runs over just 3.2 innings, striking out two and walking two. Meanwhile, Garrett's starter, Madden, settled in after a shaky third inning, holding the Knights to just six hits and four runs while striking out six in a complete-game effort.

Despite the loss, Urena and Perez provided some bright spots for CCBC Essex, each collecting two hits and driving the offense early. Urena finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs, but the Knights couldn't generate much offense after the third inning, failing to push another run across.

Garrett College's lineup proved relentless, piling up 10 hits, led by Gonzales, who delivered a dominant 2-for-3 performance with five RBIs. Charlton and Kenzevich also chipped in with two hits apiece.

The frustrating defeat leaves CCBC Essex searching for answers as they prepare for the second game of the doubleheader in hopes of salvaging the series. The Knights will need to regroup quickly and find a way to bounce back with a stronger defensive effort.

Next Up: CCBC Essex and Garrett College will complete the Region 20 doubleheader in 30 minutes.