Sharks Split Weekend Double-header against SCF
By: Alejandro Aguirre- Freelance Writer
The Miami Dade Sharks were back in action over the weekend as they took on State College of Florida in a Saturday double-header. Both teams played against one another two days prior, February 24, in a high scoring battle where MDC dropped a close one 12-11. With that defeat still fresh in their minds, the Sharks looked to snap a four game losing streak and get payback at the same time.
Right hander, Andy Rodriguez was on the mound for the Sharks and he kept the Manatees' bats quiet going five innings and allowing only 2 runs on 4 hits. Miami native, Kader Rabagh, pitched two scoreless innings to close out the game with a comfortable eight run lead.
The Sharks' offense continued to find success against SCF's pitching and scored 10 runs on 11 hits. MDC didn't take long to grab and keep the lead, scoring four runs in the second and third inning. The final score was 10-2 and it was an all-around team victory that helped the Sharks get back in the win column.
Game two had a different pace as this game was back and forth and went into extra innings. In this game, Coach Morales went with Jose Pichardo as the starter. Pichardo struggled a bit with his command, walking four, but was able to get into the fifth inning.
After two scoreless innings to start the game for both teams, the Sharks struck first with a run in the third and added three more in the fourth capped off by a two-run blast by Jorge Braceras.
The four run lead did not last very long for the Sharks. In the top of the fifth inning, the Manatees responded with a three run home run by first baseman Tayden Hall. That would be the last batter Pichardo faced ending his day on the mound.
The Sharks turned to reliever Carlos Colunga to stop the rally and he was able to keep the lead intact for MDC. The Sharks added another run in the bottom of the sixth to extend their lead 5-3.
Colugna pitched into the sixth inning and was replaced by closer, William Silva. Silva kept the Manatees scoreless in the sixth and looked to shut the door in their last at-bats of the game. Going into the seventh, SCF was down by two runs but were able to rally against Silva and tie the game.
MDC failed to walk-off in the bottom half of the inning. Silva was still on the mound for the Sharks and SCF was able to put two more runs up on the board thanks to a two-run single by Brandon Fields.
The Sharks still had one more chance to at least tie the game down 7-5. Unfortunately, their comeback fell short. They were able to score a run in the bottom of the eighth inning, but SCF's closer, Gavin Adams, was able to shut the door and secure the team's 12th victory.
MDC's homestand continues and will take the field again this Wednesday, March 2, to play Elite Squad Academy at 2p.m.