Late Surge Seals Series Over The Bucs

Miami, FL - Miami Dade College closed out the regular season with authority, using a late offensive surge and dominant bullpen work to defeat Florida SouthWestern State College, 5-2, in the finale.

The Sharks responded after falling behind early, methodically chipping away before breaking the game open in the final innings to secure the series win.

Florida SouthWestern struck first, plating runs in the first and third innings to take a 2-0 lead. Aiden Talarico drove in both runs for the Buccaneers, who looked in control through the early frames.

Miami Dade began its comeback in the fourth. William Polanco set the tone by reaching and coming around to score on a sacrifice fly from Leamsi Montanez, cutting the deficit to one. An inning later, the Sharks evened things up as Jendy Gonzalez delivered an RBI single to bring home Adrian Areizaga.

From there, the Sharks pitching staff took over.

After starter Jeffred Fermin worked through 3.2 innings, the trio of Jose Villegas, Andy Mesa, and TJ Socarras combined for 5.1 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out six. Mesa earned the win with two strong innings, and Socarras slammed the door in the ninth for his first save of the season.

With the game tied late, Miami Dade capitalized on an opportunity in the seventh. Samuel Castro crossed the plate on a defensive miscue to give the Sharks their first lead of the game.

The offense added insurance in the eighth. Willy Mendez drove in a run on a fielder's choice before Gonzalez came through again with his second RBI hit of the night, extending the lead to 5-2.

Gonzalez paced the Sharks with two hits and two RBI, while Castro and Colmenares each added multi-hit performances as part of a 10-hit night for Miami Dade.

The Sharks now wait to see how the season unfolds for the rest of Region 8 to determine who they'll face in Round One of the FCSAA Championships.