Potomac State out-slugs Monroe, 16-8, in Region 20 tourney opener

BEL AIR — WVU Potomac State broke a tie game by plating eight runs in the seventh inning for a 16-8 run-rule rout of Monroe University to open the Region 20 Division 1 tournament on Friday at Harford Community College.

Monroe (19-27) drew level in the seventh on an RBI double by Jason Guzman.

Dylan Rice, Seth Healy (Keyser) and Braden Sloan recorded RBIs in the bottom half, and Lex Wescott clubbed a three-run bomb to break the game open.

A two-out error on a grounder off the bat of Peyton Blue plated John Mallow (Petersburg), who waltzed home for the mercy rule walk-off.

Wescott’s big fly was one of three by Potomac State. Callen Miller and Rice also went yard, and Monroe’s Jesus Nieves hit a long ball.

Keyser graduate Evan Jenkins was the winning arm in relief, limiting Monroe to a run on three hits over the final two frames.

Potomac State (33-12) takes on top-seeded Harford Community (49-5) on Saturday at noon.

The tournament is double-elimination. Potomac State will play again at 3 p.m. regardless of the result of the first game.