ALBION, Mich. – The bats couldn't quite warm up on a chilly Sunday (March 17) in Albion as the host Britons topped the Monarchs, 4-3. The Monarchs recorded three runs on seven hits but left several stranded in scoring position throughout the day as the bats couldn't come up with the timely hits necessary to pick up the win.

Defensively, the Monarchs committed three errors that turned into three unearned runs for the Britons in the low scoring affair.

Derek Neufeld (Leamington, Ontario/Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary) got the start and struck out seven through 2 1/3 innings while holding the Britons to one earned and was followed by Hector Jaimes (Trenton, Mich./Western International/Wayne State) who went 2 2/3 while only giving up two hits and two unearned runs.

Brandon Rice (Macomb, Mich./Eisenwhower/Madonna) came on for the final three innings and didn't give up a hit while striking out two.

Brady Krzciok (Clarkston, Mich./Clarkston/Madonna) went 2-for-3 and drove in a run to lead the Monarch bats while Vincent Cowdrey (White Lake, Mich./Orchard Lake St. Mary's) and Alex Mendes (Wilmette, Ill./New Trier) recorded a double and triple, respectively.

The home opener is Tuesday (March 19) as the Monarchs lift the lid on their MCCAA Eastern Conference slate against reigning league champion, Jackson College. First pitch for the single 9-inning contest is set for 2 p.m. on Macomb's South Campus (Warren). There will be no live stream for next week's home games (Jackson and Mott) due to the department being shorthanded.