Sharks Take Game 1 Against the Hawks

The Miami Dade Sharks dominated Hillsborough Community College in Game 1 of their doubleheader, securing a commanding 13-5 victory. The Sharks set the tone early with a six-run first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Dana Piri. Amanda Handa and Caroline Mito also contributed key hits in the opening frame, giving Miami Dade an early advantage. Hillsborough responded with solo runs in the second and third innings, including a home run by Ashley Daniels, but the Sharks' offense continued to roll.

In the fourth inning, Miami Dade extended its lead with a two-run double from Ebba Sofia Eriksson and an RBI single from Ty Marie Cervantes. Hillsborough fought back in the bottom half, cutting the deficit to 9-5 after a two-run double from Taliyah Mullins and an RBI triple from Avery Dorsey. However, Miami Dade quickly shut down any hopes of a comeback, as Carmela Smith launched a two-run home run in the fifth and added an RBI double in the sixth to cap off a stellar 3-for-4, four-RBI performance.

On the mound, Carina Amarilla delivered a solid outing, pitching six innings while allowing seven hits and striking out nine batters to earn the win. The Sharks' defense turned a key double play, and despite two errors, they held Hillsborough scoreless in the final two innings. Miami Dade finished with 15 hits, showcasing their offensive depth, as Piri, Eriksson, Handa, and Maria Julia Pedroso all contributed multiple hits. With the victory, the Sharks carry strong momentum into the second game of the doubleheader.