Box Score FORT PIERCE – Two errors led to five unearned runs for No. 7 Indian River State College in the fourth inning on Friday as Polk State Baseball dropped the series opener of a three-game set, 6-3.

After falling behind by a run early, Polk State (21-17, 11-8) took the lead in the third on Zach Lester's two-run home run. The Eagles added to their lead with an unearned run in the fourth when Simon Scharff scored following an error by pitcher Lucas Glendinning. Josh Cruz was credited with an RBI for Polk State.

Despite an error earlier in the inning by shortstop Kenay Acevedo, Polk State pitcher JT Long was one out away from getting out of the bottom of the fourth with a 3-2 lead, but Scout Simpson came through with a two-run single to put the Pioneers ahead for good, 4-3. Indian River State scored two more runs in the frame on an error by second baseman Andy Schroeder.

Long wasn't his sharpest for Polk State, allowing seven hits and four walks, but only one of the six Indian River runs against him was earned. Out of the bullpen, Zane Wright worked 1.2 scoreless innings. Jackson Graden and Aiden Alvarez followed with back-to-back scoreless frames.

At the plate, Lester had two of the six hits for Polk State, which didn't have a hit after the fourth inning. Simpson, Brett Patten, and Jacob Souza each had two hits for the Pioneers. Nico Lopez added two RBIs for Indian River.

After winning its first four Citrus Conference series, the Eagles are now in danger of losing their third straight. Polk State will try to right the ship and take the series from Indian River on Saturday when the teams meet for a doubleheader in Winter Haven. Game times are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.