Pioneers Split on the Road at Santa Fe

GAINESVILLE, FL - Due to a weather related postponement, Indian River traveled to Gainesville for a rare Sunday afternoon matchup. Facing off against conference foe Santa Fe, the Pioneers came away with a spilt in the double header.

Indian River State College (IRSC) fought back in game one from an early 2-0 deficit, sparked by a Presley Smith solo home run in the top of the fourth and a lead-off triple by Ciara Gendron in the top of the fifth, which would lead to led to a 3-2 advantage. The Saints tied the game in the bottom half of the sixth, setting up extra innings. In the extra frame, Maddox Thomas ripped a three run double into left center and become the deciding factor in the 6-3 final. J'dah Girigorie pitched a complete game striking out 11 batters to earn the win.

In game two, the Pioneers fell behind early again. Down 3-0 in the third, Freshman Jordyn Lillis doubled to start two run rally to shorten the gap. Pitcher Ciara Gendron retired the Saints in order in the bottom half of the same frame, and then struck out two more to start the bottom of the fourth. After surrendering her only hit of the game to that point, Gendron would strike out her sixth batter of the game. Unfortunately, the off speed pitch took a bad hop resulting in a passed ball that would put two runners on. Another hit and a pitching change followed. Santa Fe took advantage of the Pioneers' misfortune and scored enough unearned runs to halt the game at 10-2. The split keeps Indian River tied atop of the Citrus Conference standings at 17-3.

Next up, The River faces State College of Florida- Manatee in Sarasota on Tuesday, March 26 at 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. 

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