River Cruises Over Hillsborough

TAMPA, FL- In an impressive display of offensive power, Indian River triumphed over Hillsborough by a commanding score of 22–6 on Thursday, April 3. Thaima Maximiliana was the standout performer, driving in four runs on two hits. Her contributions included a sacrifice fly in the first inning that scored two runs, a double in the third inning that also brought in two runs, and another sacrifice fly in the fifth inning that added one more run to the tally.

The scoring began for The River in the top of the first inning when Presley Smith singled, bringing in one run. Maximiliana followed with her sacrifice fly, which scored two runs, and Taylor Cochran added another run with a double. Moesha de Paula capped off the inning with a single that scored one more run, putting the team ahead early.

The second inning saw Indian River continue their offensive onslaught, scoring five more runs on three hits. Sarah Phipps contributed with a double, scoring one run, while Smith and de Paula both drew walks that resulted in additional runs. Jordyn Lillis grounded out but collected an RBI, extending the lead further.

The third inning was equally explosive, with six more runs crossing the plate, highlighted by Kassidy Pontbriant's single that scored two runs, Maximiliana's double, and a homer by Nyasia Williams, solidifying a commanding 16–1 lead. Hillsborough managed to score six runs in the bottom of the fourth inning, but it wasn't enough to close the gap. Indian River would score three more runs in the top of the fourth and three more in the top of the fifth to continue the rally.

The River showed patience at the plate, tallying eight walks in the game. Anaise Piar and Smith led the team with two walks each. Phipps, Piar, de Paula, and Smith each stole multiple bases, contributing to the team total of 15 thefts throughout the game. Overall, Indian River collected an impressive 18 hits, with Pontbriant leading the charge by going 3-for-5 at the plate. Phipps, de Paula, and Emily Borresen also contributed multiple hits.

J'dah Girigorie earned the win for The River, pitching two innings, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out two. The bullpen, featuring Pontbriant, Abril Gomez, and Alexa Bethel, effectively shut down Hillsborough for the remainder of the game.

The River capped the doubleheader and season sweep over Hillsborough with another run-rule victory in game two (10–0). Indian River got on the board in the top of the first inning on a Kassidy Pontbriant bunt RBI. They added to their early lead in the top of the second inning, including a steal of home by Taylor Cochran.

In the top of the third inning, The River extended their lead further as Thaima Maximiliana doubled down the left field line and Braylee Shields singled to center field, with each scoring just a few batters later. Maximiliana was 2-for-3 with two RBIs in the contest. Moesha de Paula also collected two hits, while Anaise Piar and Cochran each stole multiple bases, contributing to a team total of eight stolen bases in the game. Indian River was sure-handed on defense, not committing a single error.

J'dah Girigorie earned the win, allowing zero hits and zero runs over three innings, striking out seven and walking one. Hanna Deschambault and Abril Gomez came on in relief for The River and effectively shut down Hillsborough to preserve the shutout.

Indian River will play next at home on Saturday, April 5, hosting St. Petersburg (1:00 PM & 3:00 PM).

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