Miami Dade Falls in Hard-Fought Battle at Hillsborough

Despite a strong offensive showing from the top of the order, Miami Dade couldn't overcome a big 3rd inning from Hillsborough Community College, falling 9-4 in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader.

The Sharks came out swinging, striking first in the 1st inning when Santiago Carriles-Alvarado delivered an RBI single to score Cian Copeland. Miami Dade tacked on two more in the 3rd behind Copeland's solo blast to center—his second home run of the day—and a groundout by Willy Mendez that brought in Michael Petite.

However, the game shifted quickly in the bottom of the 3rd. Hillsborough's offense erupted with five runs, highlighted by a grand slam-style swing from Blake Opie, who crushed a three-run homer to dead center. That rally chased starter Luke Helms, who allowed five earned runs over 2.1 innings.

Miami Dade clawed back with an RBI double from Talan Beckford in the 4th, making it 5-4, but that would be the last time the Sharks crossed the plate. Hillsborough steadily added insurance runs over the next four innings, including solo homers from Jack Martinez and small-ball execution that kept pressure on the bullpen.

Offensively, Miami Dade collected 12 hits, with Petite going 3-for-4 with a double and a stolen base, while Copeland and Beckford each added multi-hit efforts. But despite the production, the Sharks stranded 12 runners and couldn't capitalize in the later innings.

The bullpen—featuring Alex Pazos, Matt Thorsen, Andy Mesa, Pedro Mejia, Luis Lorenzo, and Luis Rodriguez—combined for 5.2 innings of work, allowing four runs (three earned) and issuing five walks.

On the other side, Hillsborough's JD Bryan earned the win, pitching five innings and allowing four runs on 10 hits. Oliver Bandy closed the door with four scoreless innings of relief.