May 19, 2016
Box Score

Photo: Tom Hagerty, Polk State

Lakeland, FL – Stephen Smith drove in three runs on Thursday morning against Polk State College and Kyle Morton and Chris Hopkins combined to hold the Eagles to four runs, leading the FCSAA #1 Santa Fe Saints (41-7) past PSC 8-4.  The win guarantees Santa Fe a spot in the FCSAA title game.

The game was scoreless through the first four innings before the Saints exploded for five runs in the fifth.  The first run came in via wild pitch, Matt Allen followed with a RBI single, and two batters later, Smith delivered a bases clearing, two out three RBI triple.

Isaiah Cullum brought Polk to within one in the top of the eighth, blasting a homer to left field to make it 5-4.

Kyle Phillips answered for SF in the bottom of the eighth, driving in an insurance run and Brandon Hernandez got the other two runs back with a two out single to make it 8-4.

Chris Hopkins, who entered in relief in the eighth finished off the final three outs to secure the win.

Next up for the Saints is a rematch with Chipola College at approximately 5:30 PM today.  Should Santa Fe win, they would have to be beaten twice on Friday and Saturday by either Gulf Coast of Polk State, and only need to win once to win the championship.  Should SF lose, they would still be in the championship game Saturday against either Chipola, Polk, or Gulf Coast in a winner take all scenario.  Link for Chipola game at 5:40 tonight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9L75P3Ljmk

For complete schedules and more information on Saints Baseball, please visit www.santafesaints.com.  To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.

-30-