River Drops Two After Late Surges by Miami Dade

MIAMI, FL - 

Indian River battled all weekend but came up short in the series against Miami Dade, as the River was swept and now sits at 8-8-1 overall and 1-5 in the Citrus Conference.

On Saturday, the River showed resilience in both contests but could not overcome key late innings, falling 6-4 in Game 1 before dropping Game 2 by an 8-1 margin.

In the opener, Andy Schroeder delivered a standout performance at the plate, blasting two home runs and collecting three hits, but the River came up short in a 6-4 loss. Schroeder homered in the third and fifth innings, accounting for half of the River's offense. Despite out-hitting Miami Dade 8-6, the River couldn't overcome a decisive fourth inning.

Miami Dade struck first in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Mendez. The River answered in the top of the third when Schroeder and Niko Benested each launched solo home runs to grab a 2-1 lead and shift the momentum.

That momentum was short-lived, as Miami Dade erupted for five runs on four hits in the bottom of the fourth to take a 6-3 advantage. The key swing came on a two-run single by Gonzalez, giving the Sharks control of the game.

Schroeder added his second solo shot of the game in the fifth to trim the deficit to 6-4, but the River was unable to push across another run. Jacob Souza went 2-for-3 at the plate, and the River turned one double play defensively.

Michael Malone started on the mound, allowing five runs (one earned) over 3 2/3 innings while striking out five. Blake Anderson took the loss in relief. Lorenzo earned the win for Miami Dade, tossing 2 2/3 scoreless innings without allowing a hit.

Polanco and Gonzalez each drove in two runs for Miami Dade, while Mendez led the way with two hits. Miami Dade played clean defense, committing no errors, with Montanez recording a game-high seven defensive chances.

In Game 2, the River once again found itself in a tight battle before Miami Dade pulled away late. After five scoreless innings, Miami Dade opened the scoring in the fifth when an error brought home the game's first run.

The River responded in the top of the seventh. EJ Burns doubled to center field to tie the game at 1-1, continuing his strong day at the plate and injecting energy into the dugout.

Javi Miranda delivered a strong start for the River, allowing just one unearned run on six hits over seven innings while striking out three and walking none. He kept the River within striking distance throughout the afternoon.

However, the game turned in the bottom of the eighth as Miami Dade erupted for seven runs on five hits. The biggest swing came on a three-run triple by Mendez, breaking the game open and giving Miami Dade an 8-1 advantage the River could not overcome.

Socarras started for Miami Dade and was dominant, tossing five scoreless innings while allowing four hits and striking out 10 without issuing a walk.

Burns, hitting leadoff, paced the River with three hits in five at-bats and added two stolen bases. The River also turned one double play defensively.

Miami Dade finished with 11 hits in the nightcap. Mendez drove in three runs and went 2-for-4, while Colmenarez, Fawcett, Areizaga, and Mendez each recorded two hits in the win.

Despite strong individual performances and competitive stretches in both games, the River was unable to capitalize on key opportunities. Indian River will look to regroup and bounce back as conference play continues.

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