WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Missed opportunities to advance runners and a late-inning rally that came up just short proved costly for Polk State Baseball on Tuesday night. The Eagles dropped their 2024 home opener to Hillsborough Community College, 6-5.
 
Polk State (1-4) stranded 14 runners on base throughout the duration of the contest, while HCC (3-1) hit .316 with runners in scoring position.
 
"We have to be better at moving runners and situational awareness," said Polk State Head Coach Al Corbeil. "The nice thing about early-season baseball is you have a lot of opportunity ahead of you to iron these things out and see guys get better."
 
The Hawks slowly crafted an early 2-0 advantage with RBI base hits by Brecken Fair and Trey Santana in the top of the second and third frames, respectively.
 
Sophomore Pierce Glading moved from designated hitter to the pitcher's mound in top of the fourth to help give the Eagles a chance. The Polk City native tossed three innings of one-hit baseball, walking one and striking out four.
 
The Eagles got one back in the bottom of the sixth via an RBI groundout by Evan Wainman that scored Aaron Stelogeannis.
 
The Hawks looked to have put the game out of reach in the top of the seventh, scoring four runs on six hits to grow their lead to 6-1.
 
However, Polk did not roll over, battling back in the bottom of the seventh with a three-run answer. First, Wainman doubled home Aris Rivera and Roberto Odor with a blast off the right field wall. Later in the frame, freshman outfielder Jordan Thomas singled Wainman home to bring Polk within two. Thomas finished the contest 2-for-2 with three walks drawn.
 
Sophomore closer Ryan Combs bounced back from a tough outing on opening day with two shutout innings on the back end vs. Hillsborough, striking out four.
 
In the bottom of the ninth, Wainman continued to rake in the offense for Polk, singling home Stelogeannis with a rip to left to make it a one-run game. An intentional walk to Thomas loaded the bases with one out. However, a strikeout followed by a groundout quickly put an end to the comeback bid.
 
Polk State looks to get back in the win column on Wednesday, when the Eagles travel to take on Lake-Sumter State College. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m.