The River Opens JUCO Kickoff Classic With Pair of Wins

MADEIRA BEACH, FL - Indian River traveled to compete in the JUCO Kickoff Classic and picked up a pair of impressive wins on Friday, defeating USAF Academy 7–2 before closing the day with an 11–2 victory over Georgia Military Academy.

In the opener against USAF Academy, Indian River jumped out early, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning after USAF Academy committed two errors and Wolfe grounded out, with each play driving in a run. Indian River added another run in the second inning when Shields singled to right field.

Wilkinson earned the win for The River, allowing just two hits and zero runs over five innings while striking out nine and walking two. Gendron and McDonald each appeared in relief to finish the game.

Shields set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading Indian River with three hits in four at-bats. Gendron, Shields, and Wolfe each drove in one run for The River, while Piar paced the team with two walks. The River showed patience at the plate, drawing nine walks overall. On the base paths, Piar and Seabrook each stole multiple bases as The River totaled nine stolen bases in the game.

Indian River carried the momentum into game two, defeating Georgia Military Academy 11–2. Piar had a standout performance, collecting four hits in five at-bats, including a triple in the third inning and singles in the first, sixth, and seventh innings.

The River got on the board early when Terito singled in the top of the first inning. Georgia Military Academy tied the game in the bottom of the first on a passed ball. Indian River responded in the third inning as Shields tripled down the left-field line and Alvey followed with a single down the right-field line, each driving in a run to regain the lead.

Eekhoff earned the win in the circle, striking out 10 batters while allowing three hits and two runs over six innings, walking just one. Gomez tossed a scoreless inning of relief, allowing no hits while striking out two.

Indian River finished the game with 17 hits, with Gendron, Loreto, Alvey, and Terito each recording multiple hits.

The River now look ahead to day two of the JUCO Kickoff Classic, where they will take on Pensacola State College and Walters State.

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