Pioneers Take Opening Day on the Road

LAKE WORTH, FL - The Pioneers defeated the Palm Beach State Panthers 10-5 on opening day, fueled by a strong pitching performance and a massive seventh-inning rally.

Freshman Javi Miranda made his collegiate debut for Indian River, delivering an impressive start. The right-hander allowed just one hit and struck out four batters over five innings of work. Miranda carried a no-hit bid into the fifth inning before exiting with a two-run lead, handing the ball over to sophomore Michael Malone.

The Pioneers struck first in the opening inning, with Jake Weatherspoon driving in the game's first run. However, the Panthers surged ahead in the bottom of the sixth, scoring five runs on two hits to take a 5-2 lead.

Indian River responded in dramatic fashion in the top of the seventh, erupting for eight runs on four hits to reclaim control of the game, 10-5. Andris Barroso secured his first win of the season, allowing just two hits and no runs over three and one-third innings of relief.

The Pioneers tallied 11 hits in the contest, with Maikol Lucena, Jake Weatherspoon, and Matty Davis each collecting two hits.

Indian River will next travel to Auburndale, FL, to compete in the Early Bird Classic, facing Santa Fe College and Polk State College.

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