Miami Dade Falls to Northwest Florida After Late Inning Surge

The Miami Dade Sharks couldn't hold off Northwest Florida State College in a 6-3 loss, as a five-run sixth inning proved to be the difference in the game.

The Sharks took an early lead in the third inning when Cian Copeland drove in Denixon Suarez on a ground ball to second base. Pitcher Gabriel Cruz kept Miami Dade in control, tossing four shutout innings while striking out six.

Northwest Florida broke through in the fifth with a solo home run from Sam Bradley, tying the game at 1-1. The sixth inning unraveled for the Sharks as Northwest capitalized on a triple, an error, a balk, and a sacrifice fly to plate five runs and take a commanding 6-1 lead.

Miami Dade fought back in the seventh with RBI contributions from Thomas White and Copeland, cutting the deficit to three runs, but their rally fell short.

The Sharks collected seven hits on the night, with Michael Petite and Jovan Swasey each reaching base twice. Errors proved costly, with Miami Dade committing four in the game. Luke Helms (0-1) took the loss, allowing four runs in one inning of relief.