OCALA — For the second straight Citrus Conference series opener, Polk State Baseball found a way to pull out a gritty road win over a quality opponent. Jack Muller's two-run single in the top of the ninth lifted the Eagles to a thrilling 5-3 victory over No. 18 College of Central Florida on Thursday.

With the contest tied 3-3 entering the inning. Kenay Acevedo started the Polk State rally by drawing a one-out walk. After Bradyn Potter was hit by a pitch, the Patriots turned to standout closer Richard Bello.

Marvin Montenegro promptly singled to load the bases but Bello was able to fan Zach Lester for a big second out. Two pitches later, Muller lined one to center, scoring Acevedo and Potter to put Polk State ahead to stay.

On the mound, the Eagles (28-20, 14-14 Citrus Conference) got six strong innings from starter Carson Montsdeoca. The right-hander from Fort Meade allowed just a run on five hits and two walks with two strikeouts. Aiden Dolan got the final four outs to pick up the win.

Polk State never trailed in the contest, drawing first blood with two runs in the second inning. Hayden Testerman singled to lead off the inning before coming around to score when Josh Cruz grounded into a double play. Kustarr Webb scored the second run on Acevedo's RBI bunt single to make it 2-0.

College of Central Florida got on the board with a run in the fourth but Polk State answered in the top of the fifth. Against the Polk State bullpen, the Patriots drew even with two runs in the seventh. Following a sacrifice fly, Jose Correa doubled home the tying run to knot the score at 3.

Muller led the way offensively with three of the 11 hits for Polk State. Testerman and Montenegro each added two knocks. Gio Mendoza was 3-for-3 with an RBI for the Patriots.

With the win, Polk State has surpassed last season's win total and guaranteed itself a winning season. The teams will meet again on Saturday for a doubleheader as the series shifts to Winter Haven.