Early Lead Slips Away as Sharks Fall to SCF

Bradenton, Florida - Miami Dade jumped out to an early lead but could not keep pace with a powerful offensive performance from State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, falling 16–8 in the series finale on Saturday.

The Sharks struck first in the opening inning. Miguel Colmenares drove in the game's first run with a ground-ball single that scored William Polanco, and Willy Mendez added a sacrifice fly later in the frame to bring home Adrian Areizaga and give Miami Dade a 2–0 lead.

State College of Florida responded with a run in the bottom of the first before erupting in the third inning. Ryan Kaitz doubled to plate a run before Ben Ryan launched a two-run home run to left field. Moments later, Will Rawls added a three-run homer to cap a six-run inning that pushed the Manatees in front.

Miami Dade continued to battle offensively. Mendez blasted a solo home run in the fourth inning to trim the deficit, and Samuel Castro delivered a two-run double in the fifth that scored Areizaga and Mendez to keep the Sharks within striking distance.

However, State College of Florida answered again with a five-run fourth inning highlighted by a two-run double from Josh Castellani. The Manatees added four more runs in the sixth, including a two-run homer from Steele Burd and a solo shot from Karson Grout, to pull away.

The Sharks finished with nine hits in the contest. Mendez led the offense with a 2-for-3 performance that included a home run and two RBIs, while Areizaga went 1-for-2 with a home run, two RBIs, three runs scored, and two walks. Antonio Fawcett also collected two hits, and Castro drove in two runs.

TJ Socarras took the loss for Miami Dade after allowing seven runs over 2.2 innings. Several Sharks pitchers worked in relief as State College of Florida totaled 13 hits and four home runs in the game.

Cole Dement earned the win for the Manatees, allowing five runs on seven hits over 4.2 innings while striking out six.