River Drops Both on the Road

AUBURNDALE, FL - Indian River wrapped up a busy day at Lake Myrtle Sports Park with a doubleheader against Hillsborough Community College and Seminole State College, showing plenty of offensive firepower throughout the day but coming up just short in both contests.

The River opened the day against Hillsborough Community College in a high-scoring matchup, falling 13–7 despite matching the Hawks with 11 hits. Indian River struck first in the bottom of the first inning when Niko Benested drew a walk and Robert Kramer followed with a single to center field, each driving in a run. HCC responded in the second inning with a three-run home run from Baysinger to take a 3–2 lead.

The Hawks extended their advantage in the third inning, scoring five runs on three hits. Scott delivered a two-run single, Baysinger added an RBI single, Lopez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Walker drew a bases-loaded walk.

The River continued to battle offensively and gained momentum in the fifth inning when David Pina launched a two-run home run to right field. Gavin Stedmen took the loss, allowing seven runs on four hits over two and two-thirds innings while striking out four. Sheridan earned the win for HCC, giving up three runs (one earned) over two and one-third innings.

Pina led the River's offense with three RBIs, going 2-for-4. Niko Benested, Anthony Espinoza, and Robert Kramer each collected two hits.

In the nightcap, Indian River faced Seminole State College and once again produced offensively, out-hitting the Raiders 10–7, but fell 7–4 in a tightly contested contest. EJ Burns sparked the River early by leading off the first inning with a solo home run to left field. Seminole State responded immediately, capitalizing on a defensive error to score two runs and take a 2–1 lead.

Abreut extended the Seminole State advantage with a solo home run in the third inning, but the River stayed within striking distance. Indian River mounted a late push in the sixth inning when Vinny Dinzeo blasted a two-run home run to left field, cutting into the deficit.

Michael Malone started on the mound for the River, allowing three runs (one earned) over two and one-third innings while recording three strikeouts. Sample earned the win for Seminole State after giving up one run on two hits over three innings.

Cam Baker, David Pina, Vinny Dinzeo, and Finn Duran each recorded two hits for Indian River, with Dinzeo driving in two runs from the eight spot in the lineup. Defensively, the River turned a double play during the contest. Hurt led Seminole State with two RBIs, while Hurt and Orozco each collected two hits. Seminole State swiped three bases in the game.

Despite the results, the River showed resilience and offensive depth throughout the doubleheader and will look to carry that momentum forward.

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