Seven-Run Eighth Breaks It Open as Sharks Top Indian River

Miami, FL - The Miami Dade Sharks delivered late fireworks Saturday night, erupting for seven runs in the eighth inning to defeat Indian River State 8–1 and secure the series win.

The Sharks broke through first in the fifth inning when Miguel Colmenares crossed the plate on an Indian River error, giving Miami Dade a 1–0 lead in a tightly contested pitching duel.

Indian River evened the score in the seventh on an RBI double from EJ Burns, setting up a dramatic final two innings.

Then the bats exploded. In the eighth, William Polanco lined a two-run single to center field to put MDC back in front. Moments later, Willy Mendez cleared the bases with a three-run triple into right-center, stretching the lead to 6–1 and bringing the dugout to life. Colmenares followed with a towering two-run home run to cap the seven-run frame and put the game out of reach at 8–1.

Mendez finished with three RBI, while Colmenares went 2-for-4 with a home run, two RBI, and two runs scored. Polanco added two RBI, and Adrian Areizaga and Antonio Fawcett each recorded multi-hit performances as the Sharks totaled 11 hits.

On the mound, TJ Socarras was dominant through five shutout innings, striking out 10 and allowing just four hits. The bullpen combined to hold Indian River to one run, with Xavier Pelzer earning the win after 1.2 scoreless innings to close it out.

Miami Dade struck out 14 Indian River hitters on the night and capitalized on three Pioneer errors to create separation late.

With the victory, the Sharks take the series and continue to build momentum heading into their next matchup against Millenia Atlantic before taking one conference foe Eastern Florida.