Box Score ABERDEEN, Md. -- It took 9 innings for the scoreless tie to be broken and when it was, Harford (32-17, 17-9 MD JUCO) was on the wrong side, dropping a pitcher's duel to Monroe College, 3-0.
 
Monroe (26-15) tallied three times in the top of the ninth to take the lead and secure the win at the Ripken Complex on Yankee Stadium.
 
Cody Brittain took the loss for the Fighting Owls dropping his record to 4-3 on the season. Brittain entered the game with two outs in the eighth, pitching 1.1 innings and giving up three runs (two earned). He gave up just one hit but walked three, including two in the ninth (one intentional), and hit a batter.
 
After intentionally walking Fabian Chirino to load the bases, Brittain gave up an RBI single to Reynaldo Echenique. The next batter, Rafael Balado, grounded into an RBI fielder's choice. Justin Gartner fielded the ball and recorded an out at second base but in an attempt to turn a double play, his throw to first base short-hopped first basemen Nick Freeberger and plated another run, making it 3-0.
 
Hector Vargas was the beneficiary of the late run-support, picking up the win after just an inning of work. Manuel Bouffard pitched the ninth to record the save, pitching around two walks to toss a scoreless frame.
 
Trevor Alley pitched five innings of scoreless relief for Harford. He entered in the third inning and gave up just two hits and two walks while striking out four Mustang batters. Alley induced two double plays and Monroe never threatened to score while he was on the mound.
 
Kyle Hurley got the start for the Fighting Owls. He pitched 2.2 innings on a pitch count, giving up just two hits.
 
Jordan Glover, Jerry Jerminski and Sean Downing each picked up a hit for Harford, all singles. It was the second game of the season in which Harford batters were held to only three hits, the other coming just 12 days ago against Cecil (April 18).
 
The Fighting Owls travel to Wappingers Falls, N.Y. for their next game, a non-conference test against ASA Institute on Wednesday. The game will be played at Dutchess Stadium, home of the Hudson Valley Renegades, Minor League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.