The River Battles but Falls to Bucs

FORT MYERS, FL - Indian River dropped both games of a doubleheader against Florida Southwestern State College on Saturday, falling 8–2 in game one and 15–6 in game two.

In game one, the River couldn't overcome an early deficit as they trailed 5–1 for most of the game in an 8–2 loss to the Bucs. A walk by St. Antione put Florida Southwestern on the board in the bottom of the first. The River responded in the top of the second when Cam Baker hit a solo home run to center field. Florida Southwestern added to their early lead in the bottom of the second inning when Demetree hit a solo home run to left field, and St. Antione singled, scoring two runs.

Baker led Indian River at the plate, collecting three hits in three at-bats. He hit a solo home run in the second inning and added singles in the fourth and sixth innings. Javi Miranda stepped on the mound first for the River. The starting pitcher gave up four hits and five runs (four earned) over two innings, striking out two and walking three. John Gillen pitched three innings in relief, allowing one hit and two runs while striking out three and walking one.

Wilkie started on the mound for Florida Southwestern, allowing two hits and one run over four innings while striking out two and walking three. Andy Schroeder and Cam Baker each drove in one run for Indian River. The River turned one double play in the game and were sure-handed defensively, not committing a single error. Vinny Dinzeo led the team with six defensive plays.

In game two, the River had trouble keeping pace with the Bucs in a 15–6 loss. Indian River struck first in the top of the first inning. Cam Baker brought in the opening run with a sacrifice fly, and David Pina followed with an RBI groundout to give the River an early 2–0 lead. Florida Southwestern answered immediately in the bottom of the inning when Coston delivered a three-run double to put the Bucs ahead 3–2. They added another run in the second on a single to center field by St. Antione.

Florida Southwestern continued to build its lead in the third inning as Demetree singled down the left field line and Caban doubled to right, each driving in a run. The game broke open in the fifth when the Bucs scored five runs. Perez drew a bases-loaded walk, Quarles followed with a two-run single, and both St. Antione and Walley drove in runs with groundouts.

Michael Malone got the start for the River, allowing three runs on one hit over one inning while striking out two and walking three. Greer started for Florida Southwestern and allowed three runs on two hits over two innings with one strikeout and two walks.

Anthony Espinoza, Cam Baker, Niko Benested, and David Pina each drove in a run for the River. David Pina led the team at the plate, going 2-for-4. Defensively, the River played error-free baseball, with Kramer recording a team-high 10 chances.

Indian River falls to 10-13-1 overall and 3-9 in Citrus Conference play. The River will look to bounce back as they head to Santa Fe this Thursday for more Citrus Conference action.

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