Sharks Fall Just Short in 5-4 Loss to State College of Florida

Despite a late push, the Miami Dade College Sharks came up just short against State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, falling 5-4 in a tightly contested matchup.

The Sharks found themselves trailing early as State College of Florida plated three runs in the first inning. A trio of RBI singles from Holden Brauner, Ben Ryan, and Hayden Gustavson put Miami Dade in an early hole. The Manatees extended their lead in the third when Ryan launched a solo home run to center field, making it 4-1.

Miami Dade fought back in the sixth with Matthew Say driving in Cian Copeland to cut the deficit. In the seventh, Santiago Carriles-Alvarado brought the home crowd to life with a two-run homer to left, bringing the Sharks within a run at 5-4.

Despite a stellar relief effort from Luis Lorenzo, who struck out six batters over 3.2 scoreless innings, the Sharks couldn't push across the tying run. State College of Florida's bullpen held firm in the final two frames to secure the victory.

Carriles-Alvarado led the offensive charge for MDC, going 1-for-5 with a two-run homer, while Copeland and Say each added an RBI. On the mound, Luis Rodriguez took the loss, allowing three runs over two innings.

The Sharks will look to bounce back in their next matchup as they continue their early-season schedule.