Sharks Take the Series with Dominant Game 3 Win

Winter Haven, FL - Miami Dade flipped the script and finished the job, taking Game 3 in convincing fashion with a 7-2 win over Polk State to secure the series.

The Sharks came out swinging early and never looked back. A three-run first inning immediately set the tone, highlighted by RBI doubles from Willy Mendez, Jendy Gonzalez, and Leamsi Montañez. Just like that, Miami Dade jumped out in control and never gave Polk a chance to settle in.

Polk State answered with a run in the first and another in the third to cut it to 3-2, but that's as close as they'd get.

Miami Dade responded again in the fourth, capitalizing on a defensive miscue before adding a sacrifice fly from Samuel Castro to extend the lead. Then in the sixth, the Sharks delivered the knockout punch—Willy Mendez came through again with a two-run double, breaking it open at 7-2.

Offensively, Miami Dade was relentless. The Sharks racked up 14 hits, with Mendez leading the charge with three hits and three RBI, including two doubles. Adrian Areizaga and Montañez each added three hits of their own, while Fawcett chipped in two as the lineup stayed hot from top to bottom.

On the mound, it was a full staff effort. Jeffred Fermin handled the early innings before Luke Helms took over and earned the win with three scoreless frames. The bullpen duo of Andy Mesa and Luis Lorenzo shut the door, combining to allow no runs over the final three innings.