River splits doubleheader with Polk State

WINTER HAVEN, FL- The River earned a split in Saturday's doubleheader against Polk State, taking Game one with a 6-4 victory before dropping Game 2 in a high-scoring 17-9 contest.

The River came out strong in the opener, jumping on the board in the first inning when Robert Kramer singled to drive in a run. Polk State answered quickly, tying the game at one in the bottom half on a double by Testerman.

The River regained control in the second inning, as EJ Burns delivered an RBI single to help push the lead to 3-1. They added another run in the third when Niko Benested launched a solo home run to left on an 0-2 count.

Polk State battled back to even things up at four in the fourth inning, using a pair of doubles, including another from Testerman. But the River responded in the fifth, taking the lead for good. Andy Schroeder tripled to right field to bring in a run, and Niko Benested followed with an RBI single down the left field line.

Jonathan Wolaver picked up the win in relief, tossing three and one-third scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out four. Anderson started the game, giving up four runs (three earned) over three and two-thirds innings. At the plate, the River totaled nine hits, with Niko Benested and EJ Burns each collecting two hits and driving in two runs. Defensively, the River turned a key double play.

Game two saw plenty of offense, with the River jumping out to an early lead before Polk State stormed back. The River struck first in the opening inning, as Andy Schroeder doubled in a run and Niko Benested followed with a two-run single. They extended the lead to 5-0 in the second inning behind an RBI single from Cam Baker, who finished a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate.

However, Polk State flipped the game in the fifth inning with an explosive eight-run frame to take an 11-6 lead. The inning was highlighted by a two-run home run from Brunet. Polk State continued to add on, with Potter hitting a solo home run in the sixth, followed by a five-run seventh inning that put the game out of reach.

The River collected 12 hits in the loss, with Niko Benested and Finn Duran each recording multiple hits alongside Baker's standout performance.

On the mound, Max Gonzalez got the start, while Dane Rossi provided three innings of relief. Despite the Game two setback, the River showed offensive firepower throughout the day, combining for 21 hits across the doubleheader.

The River is now 15-15-1 overall and 8-10 in Citrus Conference play. The River will be back at Mike Easom Field Tuesday for non-conference action against FSW.