Sharks Handle Hillsborough in 5-1 Victory Behind Tohara's Strong Outing

Miami Dade College (28-10, 18-10) continued its winning ways with a solid 5-1 win over Hillsborough Community College (3-33, 2-24), using timely hitting and a sharp performance from Aimi Tohara in the circle.

The Sharks overcame an early 1-0 deficit after Hillsborough scored in the top of the first on an RBI single by Ashley Daniels, but that would be all the offense the Hawks could muster against Tohara. The Miami Dade pitcher settled in quickly, scattering just three hits and striking out three over a complete-game, seven-inning effort to improve to 9-5 on the season.

Miami Dade's offense got going in the third when Maria Julia Pedroso delivered a clutch two-run single to score Ty Marie Cervantes and Dana Piri, giving the Sharks a lead they would not relinquish.

Amanda Handa followed with RBI singles in both the fourth and fifth innings, driving in Caroline Mito twice, while Gabriela Luz added one more insurance run with an RBI single of her own later in the fifth.

Mito led the way at the top of the order, going 1-for-2 with two walks, two runs scored, and a stolen base, while Pedroso and Handa combined for four RBIs. In total, Miami Dade collected nine hits and drew six walks, keeping constant pressure on Hillsborough pitcher Alexis Puga, who threw 132 pitches in the loss.

The Sharks' clean defense and Tohara's steady hand sealed the deal, as they picked up another key conference win heading into the final stretch of the season.