Bel Air, Md. – Harford baseball fell just short of its second comeback win in as many days, dropping the opening contest of a doubleheader with Monroe, 5-4.
 
A three-RBI home run and a solo shot to centerfield powered the Mustang's 4-0 first inning lead. A sacrifice flyout during the top in the fifth not only jumped their lead to 5-0 but also proved to be the difference late, as Harford could only muster four runs over the final three innings to fall back to .500.
 
Monroe improves to 2-11 with win, while Harford drops to 4-4.

Scoring Summary
MONROE – 1^ST INNING – Alfonzo homers, Drouin and Martinez score, 3-0
MONROE – 1^ST INNING – Rojas Jr. homers, 4-0
MONROE – 5^TH INNING – Encarnacion sacrifice fly out, Martinez scores, 5-0
HARFORD – 5^TH INNING – Charlton homers, 5-1
HARFORD – 6^TH INNING – Harbert homers, 5-2
HARFORD – 6^TH INNING – Brown scores via throwing error, 5-3
HARFORD – 7^TH INNING – Smith doubles, Wyandt scores, 5-4
 
Game Notes

• Nolan Charlton's home run, Spencer Harbert's home run, and Jordyn Smith's double were Harford's only three hits of the contest
• Fighting Owl starter Mike Taylor (3-1) was saddled with the loss after surrendering three runs off two hits in just 1/3 of an inning.
• Monroe's Brandon Backman (6 IP, 2 ER) struck out 11 to earn the win, while Elian Oda recorded the save in the seventh.

Up Next
Harford will end off the weekend with a doubleheader against Mercer County on Sunday, February 24 beginning at Noon.