Chipola defeated Miami Dade tonight 11-8 in round one of the NJCAA Region VIII/FCSAA State Tournament.

After going down 4-0 in the top of the first inning, the Indians responded and scored on a walk by Jared Howell in the first inning, a walk by Julio Carrion in the first inning, a walk by Jonathan Nieves in the first inning, a single by Max Guzman in the second inning, and a single by Howell in the second inning.

CHIPOLA Indians collected 12 hits and Miami Dade had ten in the high-scoring affair.

CHIPOLA Indians pulled away for good with three runs in the second inning. In the second Guzman singled on a 0-1 count, scoring one run and Howell singled on a 2-0 count, scoring one run.

CHIPOLA Indians scored three runs in the third inning. CHIPOLA Indians's big bats in the inning were led by a triple by Morgan McCullough and a single by Howell.

Miami Dade scored four runs in the fifth inning. Miami Dade's big inning was driven by a single by Rojas, a home run by Santos, and a double by Layer-Lugo.

Andrew Grogan was the winning pitcher for CHIPOLA Indians. He went four and two-thirds innings, allowing eight runs on nine hits, striking out four and walking zero. Jose Visaez, Christian Collazo, and Howell all put in work in relief out of the bullpen, steering their team towards the victory. Howell recorded the last out to earn the save for CHIPOLA Indians.

Padron-Artiles was on the hill for Miami Dade. He went two innings, allowing six runs on four hits and striking out two.

Miami Dade socked two home runs on the day. Guerrero went deep in the first inning. Santoswent for the long ball in the fifth inning.

CHIPOLA Indians had 12 hits in the game. McCullough and Howell all had multiple hits for CHIPOLA Indians. Howell and McCullough each managed three hits to lead CHIPOLA Indians.CHIPOLA Indians was sure-handed and didn't commit a single error. Austin Bates made the most plays with nine.

Miami Dade tallied ten hits in the game. Rodriguez-Santiago and Rojas all collected multiple hits for Miami Dade. Rodriguez-Santiago led Miami Dade with three hits in five at bats.

Chipola advances to play the winner of Santa Fe/Hillsborough tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. EST/6:00 p.m. CST. 

Editor's Note: Most of story powered by Narrative Science and GameChanger Media. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. Photo by Tom Hagerty, Polk State College.