Missed Chances Cost Sharks in Game 1 Loss

Miami, FL - Miami Dade opened the series with a tough one-run loss, falling 4-3 to Polk State despite outhitting them 11-4 on the night.

The Sharks had traffic all game but just couldn't cash in when it mattered. Miami Dade left 12 runners on base and hit into multiple missed opportunities that ultimately made the difference in a game they controlled statistically.

Polk State struck first in the opening inning, but Miami Dade answered right back in the second when Rene Ramirez Jr. delivered an RBI single to tie things up. After Polk regained the lead in the fourth on a balk, the Sharks responded again in the fifth with an RBI knock from Leamsi Montanez to even it at two.

The game flipped in the sixth. Polk State pushed across two runs, one on a bases-loaded walk and another via hit-by-pitch to take a 4-2 lead. Miami Dade answered immediately with an RBI single from Samuel Castro, cutting it to 4-3, but that's as close as they would get.

Offensively, the Sharks had no shortage of production. Willy Mendez led the way with three hits, while Rene Ramirez Jr. added three of his own along with an RBI. Castro also chipped in two hits and a run driven in. But with just one walk and 12 runners stranded, the timely hit never came.

On the mound, Xavier Pelzer took the loss despite a strong outing, striking out seven over 5.1 innings. The bullpen was lights out, as TJ Socarras and Jose Villegas combined for 3.2 hitless innings with five strikeouts to keep Miami Dade within striking distance.

Game 1 slips away, but the series is far from over. The Sharks will look to bounce back tomorrow with Games 2 and 3 still up for grabs