Wappingers Falls, N.Y. – Monroe's Baseball team fought hard in a tough Game Three in the Regional XV Championship series against ASA on Friday, but fell late 10-5. The Mustangs lead the best-of-five competition 2-1 and now look to advance to the District Final on Saturday when they host the Avengers at noon in City Park.

Monroe starter Joel Urena pitched well, striking out seven in four innings of work. The four hits he surrendered were a combination of check swings and balls that found holes.

ASA didn't allow Monroe a hit until the sixth inning, which is when the Mustangs built a 4-0 lead. With two outs, Isaiah Torres lifted a ball to the wall in left for a double. Carlos Torres and Michael Crispino each walked and the bases were loaded for the Mustangs strongest hitter, Marcus Espinal. He drew a walk and forced home Isaiah Torres with Monroe's first run. The run seemed to invigorate the team heading into the seventh.

Andy Karlan ripped a high-hop single to third with two outs.  The next batter, Wayne Roberts, put the ball over the centerfielder's head for a triple and the Mustangs were within 4-2. After a pitching change, Isaiah Torres reached on a catcher's interference, putting runners on the corners with two outs. Carlos Torres, who was batting second in the lineup (the highest position for him all season) hit a triple to left that brought home both runners and tied the game at 4-4.

ASA went ahead in the seventh by scoring twice. Monroe got a run back when Shadrach Meulens blasted a solo homerun over the wall in dead center. The game entered the eighth with the Avengers up, 6-5. They managed to score four runs off Monroe and went on to win 10-5. The best-of-five series now stands 2-1 for the Mustangs.

Games four and five will take place as a doubleheader on Saturday, May 13, beginning at noon.