Lions Finish Regular Season with Split Against the Raptors

by Michael Marrone

DUNDALK, MD - The CCBC Dundalk Lions completed their regular season on Saturday May 5 as they split the doubleheader against the Montgomery College Raptors. The Lions shutout the Raptors in the first game 10-0 but lost the second game 13-9. Their final record for this season was 17-24 (9-17 Maryland JUCO Conference). 

The Lions came out roaring in the first game as they shut out the Raptors 10-0. Joe Rubalcaba (Catonsville) threw a gem as he pitched a complete game allowing only four hits and striking out four batters.

Andy Duarte (Grand Street Campus | Brooklyn, N.Y., 1-2 2B, 2RBI's) got the bats going early as he started the scoring with an RBI double in the first inning. Charles Lebron (Grand Street Campus | Brooklyn, N.Y., 2-3 2B, 4RBI's) brought in four runs including a two-run double in the sixth inning. Bryant Gutierrez (Abraham Lincoln | Queens. N.Y., 2-3, HR RBI) hit a home run to increase the lead to 5-0 in the fifth inning. With the win the Lions won their fifth game in a row.

The second game went the Raptors' way as they got the win 13-9. The Raptors started the scoring early as they were up 6-2 by the end of the top of the third inning. The Lions roared back in the bottom half of the inning with four runs to tie the game at six. This inning was highlighted by three runs being scored on wild pitches and an RBI single from James Moses (Loyola Blakefield, 1-1 2RBI's, 2BB).

However, the Raptors scored five runs in the fourth inning thanks to an RBI single by Will Burgess and a two-run home run by Harold Marte. The Lions made an effort late in the game to make a comeback, but it wasn't enough as they dropped their final game in the regular season.

Next up: The Lions play in the Region XX Division II Opening Round Play-In on Tuesday May 8. Seeded fifth, the Lions play eighth seed Garrett College at 11 a.m. The winner will play fourth seed Cecil College at 2 p.m. The Tournament continues May 11-13 at CCBC Catonsville. Follow the Lions on Twitter at @ccbcdundalklion for more seeding and game schedule information. Watch the Live Stream of the Tournament games at www.youtube.com/ccbccatonsvillecardinals.