Box Score WINTER HAVEN — A nine-run fourth inning was the catalyst for a run-rule victory for Polk State Baseball in its home opener on Tuesday. The Eagles erased a pair of three-run deficits in an 18-7 run-rule victory over Hillsborough College.

The Eagles were the victims of a nine-run inning that allowed a lead to slip away in the season opener against Chipola College. On Tuesday, it was Polk State dishing out that crooked number.

Polk State trailed 6-3 entering the fourth inning before loading the bases with nobody out. After back-to-back RBI singles from Marvin Montenegro and Hayden Testerman cut the lead to one, a well-placed RBI infield single from Kustarr Webb tied the game.

Jack Muller drew a bases-loaded walk to give Polk State the lead for good, but the Eagles weren't done. A two-run double from Fabian Gavalo and a two-run single from Bradyn Potter capped the monster nine-run inning as Polk extended the lead to 12-6.

Hillsborough got a run back in the top of the fifth. Polk State put things away with consecutive three-run innings in the fifth and sixth innings. Muller had a two-run double in each inning.

As a team, Polk State (3-1) had 16 hits. Muller finished 2-for-4 with five RBIs and two runs scored. Webb and Gavalo each had three hits, combining for five runs and five RBIs. 

Testerman was 3-for-5 with three runs scored. Potter went 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

In relief, Vincent Antuna, Brad Rhode and Jason Sawyer combined to throw 3.1 scoreless innings. Antuna picked up the win. Leo Lopez scored three runs for the Hawks.

Now winners of three straight, Polk State will remain home to take on Pasco-Hernando State College on Friday. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.