OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida Patriots showcased their dominance against Polk State in their first home Citrus Conference games of the season on Thursday. The victories marked a strong rebound for the Pats after dropping both games against Daytona State on Tuesday.
Game 1: CF 7 – PSC 4
The Patriots struck first in game one when centerfielder Amy Crosby launched a two-run home run to right field in the third inning. They extended their lead in the fourth, adding three more runs with RBIs from Sarah Stewart, Amy Crosby, and Leah Clark. Capitalizing on four Polk State errors, the Pats maintained control throughout the game.
Clark delivered an impressive performance at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBIs, and two stolen bases. Crosby contributed three hits, three RBIs, and a stolen base.
In the circle, Pyle pitched a complete seven-inning game, allowing eight hits and four runs—only one earned—while striking out one. With the win, she improved to 4-4 on the season.
Game 2: CF 10 – PSC 2
Polk State took an early lead in game two, scoring one run in the first off Patriots starter Morgyn Stevens. However, CF responded immediately, as Gabrielle Rascher smashed a two-run home run in the bottom of the inning—her second of the season.
The Patriots maintained their offensive momentum, scoring in every inning until Amber Daugherty’s two-run double in the sixth sealed the win via the eight-run mercy rule.
Stevens delivered a solid outing, throwing six innings and allowing just two runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out one. She improved to 2-0 on the year.
CF had several players with multiple hits in the game:
- Leah Clark: 2-for-4, 2B, R
- Amy Crosby: 2-for-4, 2B, 2 R, SB
- Caitlin Blankenship: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2B, RBI
- Gabrielle Rascher: 2-for-3, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
- Hayley Turner: 2-for-3, 2B, 2 RBI
The Patriots will continue conference play with a doubleheader at Eastern Florida State College in Melbourne on Saturday. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.