Box Score AUBURNDALE, Fla. - Despite plating runs in six of the seven innings played, Polk State Baseball was unable to surpass Florida SouthWestern State College on Saturday afternoon. The Buccaneers, who received votes in the preseason NJCAA Poll, topped the Eagles 8-6 to conclude the Florida JUCO Early Bird Kickoff.  
  
Polk State (0-3) scored its six runs on seven hits, one error, and left 10 on base, while FSW (2-2) strung together eight runs on eight hits, one error. The Buccaneers only stranded three baserunners. 
  
After the Eagles plated their first run in the top of the first, the Buccaneers scored six unanswered, including four runs in the bottom of the second frame to open a 6-1 advantage. 
  
Sophomore right-handed pitcher Breton Cusic received the losing decision for Polk. Cusic tossed 33 of his 53 pitches for strikes, while allowing four earned runs in two innings of work.  
  
The Polk State bats gave the Eagles a chance with three unanswered runs of their own to cut the deficit to 6-4 entering the bottom of the fifth. However, FSW retaliated with a two-run home run to double the lead. Polk State attempted to mount a rally with a run in each of the final two innings but was not able to keep pace with the Buccaneers.  
  
Freshman lefty Trevor Caldwell and righty Everett Martin each made their collegiate debuts on the mound for the Eagles. Caldwell pitched 2.1 innings in direct relief of Cusic, striking out two and surrendering one earned run. Martin closed out the contest with 1.2 innings with one strikeout and one earned. 
  
At the plate, freshman outfielder Ray Bermudez recorded his first collegiate home run, which was also the only extra-base hit of the day for the Eagles. Bermudez finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored.  
  
Sophomore Ray Mercer also excelled offensively for Polk, turning in a 2-for-4 performance. Mercer circled the bases three times for half of the Eagles' runs. 
  
Polk State looks to get in the win column this coming Monday, as it makes the quick trip over to New Port Richey to take on Pasco-Hernando State College. First pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m.