Sharks Outlast Atlantis in Wild 9-8 Battle

Miami, FL - Miami Dade didn't make it easy, but they found a way.

The Sharks took down Atlantis University, 9-8, in a chaotic, back-and-forth matchup where patience at the plate and aggressive baserunning made all the difference.

Miami Dade jumped out early in the first. An RBI single from Willy Méndez got things started, and moments later he swiped home to give the Sharks a quick 2-0 lead. But Atlantis punched right back in the second, exploding for four runs and adding another in the third to suddenly flip the game, 5-3.

From there, Miami Dade settled in and started chipping away.

Denixon Suárez delivered in the third with an RBI knock to cut into the deficit, and the Sharks regained control in the fourth without even needing a hit. Nelson Hiraldo came across on a wild pitch, and another run scored after Leamsi Montañez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, tying the game.

Then came the turning point.

In the fifth, Miami Dade took over. Israel García ripped a clutch RBI double, Hiraldo scored again on another wild pitch, and Samuel Castro lifted a sac fly to cap off a three-run inning that gave the Sharks breathing room at 8-5.

Despite only recording five hits on the night, Miami Dade made every opportunity count. The Sharks drew an incredible 15 walks and wreaked havoc on the bases, stealing eight bags, including two from Jendy González and three from García.

On the mound, it was a bullpen effort. Jordan Bermúdez and Magdiel Estévez combined to stabilize things through the middle innings, allowing just two earned runs. Kevin Roque came in late and picked up the win, shutting the door when it mattered most.

Atlantis made one final push in the ninth, plating three runs to bring the game within one. But Miami Dade answered immediately. With the pressure on, Adrian Areizaga lifted a sacrifice fly that brought home the insurance run and ultimately proved to be the difference.