LENA, Ill. - The non-conference schedule is often referred to as a tune-up, and that isn't lost on Monroe American Legion baseball coach Bruce Rear.

With his ballclub up 12-3 through six innings in Lena Wednesday night, Monroe's skipper made several switches. The hosting Lena club took advantage and pulled out a 16-12 victory.

Monroe will continue to sharpen all the tools it can by playing younger, unproven talent when Mount Horeb visits Saturday at 11 a.m. Conference play opens Monday at Albany.