Sharks Run-Rule Hawks Behind Handa’s Gem

Miami, FL - Miami Dade College delivered a dominant all-around performance, shutting out Hillsborough Community College 8-0 in five innings to open the series in run-rule fashion.

The Sharks broke things open early, plating five runs in the second inning and never looking back. Cintia Escalante sparked the rally with a two-RBI double to left center, while Caroline Mito and Ebba Sofia Eriksson added run-producing at-bats to extend the lead to 5-0.

Miami Dade kept the pressure on in the third. Mito came through again with a clutch two-RBI double, stretching the advantage before another run crossed on a Hillsborough error to make it 7-0.

From there, it was all about Amanda Handa.

The right-hander was in complete control inside the circle, tossing a one-hit shutout over five innings while striking out six. Handa worked around four walks but never allowed the Hawks to generate any real momentum, securing her 11th win of the season.

Offensively, the Sharks totaled nine hits, with Mito leading the way with three RBIs and two extra-base hits. Escalante added two RBIs and scored twice, while Coral Latshaw crossed the plate twice to fuel the lineup.

With the early offensive explosion and a lights-out performance in the circle, Miami Dade sets the tone in the series and looks to complete the sweep in Game 2.