WINTER HAVEN, FL (352today.com) – College of Central Florida (CF) third baseman, Dawson Harman, delivered another stellar performance on Thursday evening, smashing two home runs for the second consecutive game to propel the Patriots to a commanding 10-4 victory over Polk State College. Harman’s latest display of power brings his season total to 11 home runs, making him the leading home run hitter in Florida JUCOs and placing him third nationally. Next season, Harman is set to join the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

The Patriots wasted no time in setting the tone, launching three solo home runs in the top of the first inning. Marcus Bradshaw (2-3, 3R, HR, 2 RBI) led off with a blast, followed immediately by Harman (2-5, 2 HRs, 4 RBI). After a brief out, Victor Martinez (3-5, HR, 2 RBI) smashed his fifth home run of the season. However, the Eagles responded in the bottom of the second inning with a power surge of their own. Liam O’Neil belted his third home run of the season to tie the game at 3-3. Polk State then took a 4-3 lead on a Josh Cruz single, a two-base error by Bradshaw, and a groundout from Jordan Thomas. That would mark the end of the scoring for the Eagles.

The Patriots reclaimed the lead in the top of the third inning. Bradshaw led off with a single, followed by a Jacob McKenzie double to right field. Martinez grounded out to bring in a run, tying the game. An Anthony Diaz single and a wild pitch allowed another run to score, putting CF ahead 5-4—a lead they would not relinquish.

Arturo Ormaza (middle) Gio Mendoza (right)
Arturo Ormaza (C) Gio Mendoza (R). Courtesy: David Houtz/College of Central Florida

Arturo Ormaza (3-0) took the mound in the bottom of the fourth with two outs and two runners on, relieving starter Brayden Toro (3.2 IP, 4H, 3 ER). Ormaza ended the threat by inducing a flyout to right field from Eagles third baseman Cruz. He went on to pitch 2.1 shutout innings, keeping Polk State at bay.

The Patriots added to their lead in the fifth inning when Armando Guirola’s sacrifice fly scored Martinez, who had previously singled and advanced to third on a Diaz double. CF put the game out of reach in the sixth, as Harman crushed a three-run homer deep to left field.

|NEWS NOW: Download our app and have the news that matters to you at your fingertips

Cory Geinzer took over for Ormaza in the seventh inning, entering with two runners on and no outs. He proceeded to retire the next three batters in order, striking out two. Geinzer wrapped up his outing with two no-hit, scoreless innings, tallying three strikeouts. Cooper Ryan sealed the win with a perfect ninth inning.

The #6 FCSAA-ranked Patriots (21-6, 8-5) will close out their three-game series against #4-ranked Polk State (18-12, 9-4) with a doubleheader on Saturday at Goodlett Field. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m.

More news that matters to you…