Indian River Splits Doubleheader with Central Florida

FORT PIERCE, FL - Indian River gained early momentum in the second inning of game one when Hezzy Seabrook's single and Sophia Loreto's double down the left field line each drove in runs, putting The River up 2-0. Central responded with a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning to briefly tie the game at 2-2. However, Indian River quickly regained control in the bottom half of the inning when leadoff batter Anaise Piar singled to drive in Seabrook for the go-ahead run. Piar's steal of home extended the lead, and Presley Smith's groundball RBI to score Sarah Phipps increased The River's advantage even further.

Indian River added two more insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth and seventh innings. J'dah Girigorie finished the game strong, recording her sixth strikeout of the day. Girigorie earned the complete game win by allowing just two runs on six hits over seven innings.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Indian River lost a closely contested battle, falling 4-3 to the College of Central Florida. The Patriots initially took the lead with two singles sandwiched between two outs in the top of the first. The River responded in the bottom of the fourth when freshman Mackenzie Gibson doubled, driving in two runs and giving Indian River a 2-1 advantage.

The game continued back and forth, with Central tying it up in the top of the fifth. In the bottom half of the frame, Kassidy Pontbriant singled to push The River back into the lead at 3-2. However, the lead shifted once again, as the Patriots jumped ahead by one in the top of the sixth on an unfortunate dropped third strike by Indian River.

Gibson contributed to the offensive effort, going 1-for-3 with two RBIs, while Piar and Pontbriant also added hits. The River also drew five walks and stole seven bases throughout the contest. Pontbriant started on the mound for Indian River, pitching five and one-third innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits, with two strikeouts and one walk.

Up Next: The River hosts Santa Fe College on Saturday, April 26 (Sophomore Day).

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