Tapia Melo Continues to Shine against Anne Arundel

Arnold, MD- The Cardinals split with the Riverhawks.

Game 1

CCBC Catonsville cruised to a dominant 20-3 victory over Anne Arundel Community College in the first game of their doubleheader on May 1, 2025. The offense exploded early, putting up three runs in the first inning and followed by a seven-run second, putting the game out of reach early. A.J. Palumbo was the star of the game, going 4-for-5 with two home runs, including a 3-run shot in the second inning, and driving in 7 RBIs. The explosive offense didn't stop there Jaedan Kelley had a strong performance, finishing 3-for-5 with a double and 1 RBI, while Nelson Grajales added a 2-for-3 effort with a double and an RBI. Sebastian Guzman also contributed, going 2-for-3 with a double and 3 RBIs.

The pitching from CCBC Catonsville was equally strong, with starter Coby Vallee earning the win after allowing just 4 hits and 3 earned runs over 5 innings, striking out 5 batters. Vallee kept Anne Arundel's offense in check, and though Anne Arundel did manage to score 3 runs in the fourth inning, it was far too little, too late.

Game 2

In a high-scoring and dramatic contest, CCBC Catonsville was edged out by Anne Arundel Community College in Game 2 on May 1, 2025, losing 15-14. The Cardinals got off to a hot start, taking a 3-0 lead in the first inning, thanks to a two-run homer from Coby Vallee and an RBI double from Joel Tapia Melo. However, Anne Arundel quickly responded, scoring one in the second inning and then taking control in the fourth with a three-run home run that put them ahead 5-4. CCBC Catonsville was not to be outdone, though, as they mounted a comeback in the sixth inning. A.J. Palumbo delivered a clutch grand slam, bringing the Cardinals back into the game and giving them an 8-9 deficit.

As the game progressed, both teams exchanged runs, and it became a tense, back-and-forth affair. CCBC Catonsville fought back again in the seventh inning, scoring six runs to take a 14-10 lead. The big hits came from Jaedan Kelley, who knocked in two runs, and Palumbo, who added an RBI double. However, the Cardinals' defense faltered in the final inning, with a few costly errors allowing Anne Arundel to take advantage. The Riverhawks responded with five runs, including key singles from Jack Woods and Rylan Palle, securing the win with a 15-14 score.

Offensively, Palumbo shined for CCBC Catonsville, driving in five runs, while Tapia Melo contributed with three hits and two RBIs. Despite the offensive explosion and valiant effort, CCBC Catonsville ultimately couldn't hold off the comeback, as Anne Arundel capitalized on the Cardinals' defensive miscues to clinch the win.