Miami Dade Rallies Past Millenia Atlantic in Offensive Showdown, 12–8
Miami Dade stormed back from an early deficit to defeat Millenia Atlantic University 12–8 in a high-scoring contest, backed by a massive second inning and a dominant performance from Cian Copeland at the plate.
Millenia Atlantic jumped out to a fast 3–0 lead in the first inning, thanks to a two-run homer by Sergio Hernandez and a sharp RBI single. They added another in the second on a sacrifice fly, putting Miami Dade in an early 4–0 hole.
But the Sharks came alive in the bottom of the second, erupting for six runs. David Zamora opened the scoring with a double, followed by a costly error that allowed another run to score. Cian Copeland then launched a grand slam to center field, giving Miami Dade a 6–4 lead.
Santiago Carriles-Alvarado added a solo homer in the third, and Copeland struck again in the fourth with his second home run of the game, finishing with six RBIs. Carriles tripled later in the inning to bring in another run, extending the lead to 9–6.
Millenia Atlantic scratched back with runs in the 7th and 8th innings, but the Sharks sealed the game with a three-run eighth, highlighted by RBI hits from Jovan Swasey, Copeland, and Michael Petite.
On the mound, Andy Mesa earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief, and Jeffred Fermin locked down the save with 1.2 shutout frames. Despite allowing eight runs (six earned), the Miami Dade bullpen combined for 15 strikeouts and held Millenia Atlantic hitless over the final 1.2 innings.
Copeland led Miami Dade's offense with a 3-for-5 day, including two home runs, a double, and six RBIs. Carriles-Alvarado chipped in with three hits and two RBIs, while Swasey, Zamora, and Petite each drove in a run.