Box Score WINTER HAVEN — After winning its first Citrus Conference series of the year over the weekend, Polk State Baseball will begin the second week of conference action with a .500 record. The Eagles weren't able to overcome a difficult start on Tuesday in a 9-1 loss to South Florida State College.

The Panthers managed to get to Polk State starting pitcher Kelyn Dallio for eight runs, seven earned, over the first two innings. Landon Carter had four RBIs over the first two frames for South Florida State.

Polk State (9-9) pushed across its only run in the third when Hayden Testerman doubled home Josh Cruz. Entering the night, the Eagles had averaged nine runs over their last seven games. Testerman, Cruz, and Andy Schroeder had the only three hits of the night.

Despite the loss, the Eagles had a nice evening from their bullpen. Jackson Graden struck out five in 3.1 scoreless innings of relief. After Aiden Alvarez struck out the side during a scoreless eighth, Zane Wright fanned two during a 1-2-3 ninth.

Polk State will try to get the bats going again on Thursday when it visits State College of Florida. The conference matchup is scheduled for 5 p.m.