Miami, FL - Day Two of the Charlie Greene Invitational brought a tough test for Monroe University, as the Mustangs dropped a 10–1 decision to Coastal Alabama–South on Saturday to kick off the day.
Monroe stayed within striking distance early, but a late Coyotes surge created separation in the final third of the game.
Coastal Alabama–South struck first with a solo home run in the second inning, then added a two-run shot in the third to move in front 3–0. Mustang starter Mason Berna worked through traffic and recorded four strikeouts over three innings to keep the deficit manageable.
The Mustangs responded in the fourth.
Juan Garcia put Monroe on the board with a solo home run to left, trimming the lead to 3–1 and providing the club's biggest swing of the afternoon.
From there, the Coyotes' pitching staff took control. Coastal Alabama–South combined to allow only two hits and one walk while striking out 15 across nine innings, consistently getting ahead in counts and limiting scoring opportunities.
Raydher Peña-Díaz delivered a strong effort out of the bullpen for Monroe, tossing four innings and surrendering just one run to keep the Mustangs within reach through the middle frames. Monroe trailed only 4–1 entering the eighth.
The Coyotes broke the game open in that inning, sending 11 batters to the plate and scoring six runs on four hits and three walks. A pair of run-scoring doubles and situational hitting extended the margin to 10–1.
Nair Jamanika recorded Monroe's other hit, while the defense turned a clean double play behind the infield to limit additional damage earlier in the contest.
With the early-season tournament providing quality competition, the Mustangs will look to regroup and respond in their next outing as they play host Miami Dade at 7:00 PM.
ABOUT THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT MONROE UNIVERSITY
The athletic program at Monroe University encompasses a total of 26 teams competing across nine sports. There are 19 varsity and junior varsity programs, as well as the Monroe University marching band, competing on the New Rochelle campus as the Mustangs (NJCAA Division I). The Monroe Express, based out of the Bronx campus, has seven teams competing at the NJCAA Division III level.
For more information about the Monroe Mustangs, please visit us at www.MonroeUMustangs.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Monroe Mustangs Athletics), Twitter (@MonroeMustangs) and Instagram (@monroemustangs).
