Baseball Earns First Win of the 2025 Season with High-Scoring Victory Over Union County
Union, NJ — Bergen Community College baseball earned its first win of the 2025 season in dramatic fashion, outlasting Union County College in a 13–11 shootout on Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs put together a complete team performance highlighted by explosive offense, aggressive base running, and clutch pitching to secure the opening-day victory.
The game featured a combined 24 runs and 18 hits, with Bergen producing 12 hits and drawing 10 walks to overwhelm UCNJ in the early innings. The Bulldogs raced out to a 2-run first, followed by a 6-run second, building a cushion that proved just enough despite a late surge by the Owls.
Leading the charge for Bergen was Jesus Batista, who went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with 3 RBIs, 2 doubles, and a triple. Chris Merrill also delivered a standout performance, tallying 3 hits, 2 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases. Reymon Steven Paulino added 2 hits and 2 RBIs, while Trevor Eastman chipped in with a triple and 2 RBIs of his own.
On the mound, Cesar Peguero earned the win, navigating through 3.2 innings in a game where Bergen's defense and bullpen held strong. Billy Phillips provided 3.1 innings of relief, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 2 to shut the door on Union County's rally.
Bergen's aggressive style of play resulted in 8 stolen bases, including 3 by Merrill and 2 by Eastman. The Bulldogs also showcased discipline at the plate with 10 walks drawn, contributing to multiple big innings.
Bergen improves to 1-1 overall and in Region XIX play, while UCNJ falls to 1-1.
Box Score Highlights – Bergen Community College (13) vs. UCNJ (11)
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Jesus Batista – 3-for-3, 3 RBIs, 2 doubles, triple, 2 walks
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Chris Merrill – 3-for-4, 2 RBIs, 3 stolen bases
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Reymon Steven Paulino – 2-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2 walks
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Trevor Eastman – 1-for-3, 3B, 2 RBIs, 2 runs, 1 stolen base
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Pitching: Cesar Peguero (W, 1-0), 3.2 IP, 0 ER; Billy Phillips, 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 K
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Team Stats: 12 hits, 10 walks, 8 stolen bases