KEYSER, W.Va. — On a chilly April afternoon that saw momentum swing as wildly as the mountain breezes, Potomac State and Monroe University split a fiery doubleheader, each showcasing flashes of brilliance — and a late-game star turn that saved the day for the Catamounts.

In the opener, Potomac State couldn't quite get over the hump. Despite tying the game 2-2 midway through on RBI hits from Lex Wescott and Tanner Haskiell, Monroe seized control late. A towering two-run homer from Juan Garcia in the sixth inning delivered the knockout blow, giving Monroe a 4-2 win. Potomac State struggled to crack Monroe's starter, Brailyn Cruz, who threw a complete game, striking out eight without walking a batter.

But any frustration from Game 1 quickly gave way to a decisive response in Game 2.

The Catamounts pounced early, and this time they never let go. Reilly Bubb's bat stayed hot, lacing a two-run double down the left field line, and Potomac State tacked on insurance runs with a relentless small-ball attack that capitalized on Monroe miscues. A 9-3 final margin didn't fully capture the drama, though — the heartbeat moment came in the later innings when things threatened to unravel.

Enter Chris Harbert.

After starter Carson Boober gave Potomac State 4.1 strong innings and Hunter Krotzer struggled to find the strike zone, Harbert took the ball with two on and one out in the fifth. Cool under pressure, the senior first baseman-turned-closer slammed the door shut. Harbert scattered one hit and one walk across 2.2 electric innings, striking out five — including a devastating sequence where he fanned the side in the sixth. Even after giving up a solo homer to Monroe's Anthony Fernandez in the seventh, Harbert calmly punched out two of the next three hitters to seal his third save of the season​.

His gritty performance embodied the toughness Potomac State needed after the early setback.

"We knew we had to respond after that first game," Harbert said. "It was about throwing strikes, trusting the guys behind me, and getting us back on track."

Key Performers:

• Chris Harbert — Game 2 Save (2.2 IP, 5 K, 1 H, 1 R)
• Reilly Bubb — Game 2 (2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R)
• Ryan Conrad — Combined Games (3-for-5, 2 RBI)
• Juan Garcia (Monroe) — Game 1 Hero (2-R HR in 6th inning)

Game 1: Monroe 4, Potomac State 2

• Pitching Duel: Monroe's Brailyn Cruz threw a complete game (7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 8 K)​.
• Big Hit: Juan Garcia launched a two-run homer in the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie​.
• Potomac State Highlights:
• • Lex Wescott and Tanner Haskiell each had RBI hits to briefly tie the game at 2-2.
  • Ryan Conrad doubled and scored a run.
• Tough Loss: Potomac stranded key baserunners and couldn't mount a late rally.

Game 2: Potomac State 9, Monroe 3

• Fast Start: Potomac scored early with RBI hits from Chris Harbert, Lex Wescott, and Ryan Conrad​.
• Offensive Standouts:
• • Reilly Bubb went 2-for-3 with a double, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored.
  • Ryan Conrad drove in 2 runs and scored once.
• Pitching Hero:
• • Chris Harbert earned a 2.2 inning save, allowing just 1 run while striking out 5.
  • Harbert slammed the door after taking over with two on and one out in the 5th inning.
• Power Threat: Monroe's Anthony Fernandez homered late in game two.