CCBC Essex Triumphs Over Pro Stock Royals Academy Varsity Royals In Late-Game Victory

February 21, 2026 | Charlotte, NC

The Knights opened the 2026 season with toughness and execution, earning a 5–4 late-inning victory over Pro Stock Royals Academy Varsity Royals.

With the score tied at four in the top of the seventh, CCBC Essex capitalized on defensive pressure, plating the go-ahead run on a Royals error to secure the season-opening win.

Early Offense Sets the Tone

CCBC Essex struck first in the opening frame. Nehomar Caldera (Memphis, TN – Freshman) brought home the first run with a productive groundout, establishing the Knights' situational approach early.

In the third inning, Connor Bailey (Salisbury, MD – Sophomore) delivered an RBI single on an 81 MPH fastball to push the lead to 3–1. Bailey would finish with two RBIs, anchoring the middle of the lineup.

Royals Rally, Knights Respond

Pro Stock battled back to tie the game at four in the sixth inning, but Essex stayed composed.

On the mound,
Michael Amadio (Lusby, MD – Sophomore) made the Opening Day start, going 4.2 innings while allowing three runs and striking out two.

In relief,
Andy Martínez Rivera (Vega Alta, PR – Freshman) delivered 1.1 scoreless innings to keep the game within reach and set the stage for the late-game heroics.

Discipline & Pressure Baseball

The Knights showed patience and aggressiveness throughout:

• 8 walks drawn

• 5 stolen bases

• Multiple steals from Manuel Agostini (Toa Baja, PR – Freshman) and Diego Garcia (Bradenton, FL – Sophomore)

• One key double play turned defensively

Additional offensive contributors included:

• Gabriel Vargas (Cidra, PR – Sophomore)

• Casey Parsons (Salisbury, MD – Sophomore)

• Yariel Hernandez (Moca, PR – Freshman), who paced the team with three walks

Strong Start to 2026

Opening weekend games test composure, and the Knights responded with maturity, depth, and execution in high-leverage moments. A one-run road victory in Charlotte sets the tone for the spring.

CCBC Essex will continue its series against Pro Stock as the Knights look to build early-season momentum.

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