Box Score PALATKA — Polk State Baseball got off to another strong start but the big lead didn't hold up on Wednesday night. The Eagles let an 8-0 lead slip away before falling at St. John's River State College, 10-9.
One night after scoring 11 runs in the first inning, the Eagles (10-8) pushed across six in the opening frame on Wednesday. Polk State added runs in each of the next three innings to lead 8-0 after two and a half innings and 9-2 after three and a half.
Polk State didn't score again. St. John's River, on the other hand, didn't stop. The Vikings scored two runs in the third and fifth innings before plating four in the sixth. St. John's River scored two more in the seventh to take the lead and go in front for good.
Polk State outhit the Vikings 13-7, but the pitching staff walked six batters and hit four more.
Aiden Butler was ultimately hit with the loss.
At the plate,
Travis Stapleton,
Damion Kenealy, and
Evan Wainman all homered for the Eagles. Wainman and
Nelson Taylor each finished with two RBIs in the victory. Kenealy finished 3-for-4 and scored twice. Taylor,
Ray Mercer, and
Pierce Glading each finished with two hits in the loss.
Polk State will have a day off before trying to avoid consecutive losses for the first time since an 0-5 start. The Eagles will return home to host Florida SouthWestern State College. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
