EXHIBITION SEASON CONCLUDES WITH 5-1 LOSS TO HOOTS

OXFORD, Al. - Plagued by walks, the Monsters dropped their fourth and final preseason game against the Columbus Chatt-A-Hoots Wednesday. With the dress rehearsals over, the Monsters eye their home opener against the Hoots on Friday night. 

Columbus (0-0) was patient at the plate in the early going, drawing seven walks across the first two frames against Monsters starter Austin Goode. The free passes would set the table for a two-run single in the first followed-up by a three-run blast in the second. The 5-0 lead would prove to be all the Hoots would need the rest of the way, as they were held scoreless the last 7 innings of play. 

The Monsters (0-0) tallied six hits on the afternoon, two more than their counterparts. The lone run coming from an RBI single from Brant Deerman to make the score 5-1, that being his second run driven-in of the exhibition season. 

In four preseason bouts with the Hoots the Monsters mustered just one win. On the bright side, the Monsters have gotten a good look at their opening day opponent, as the two organizations are slated to play a home and away series this upcoming weekend. Friday's first pitch from Signature Field is scheduled for 7:05 PM CST.