May 9, 2017

Lakeland, FL – The #1 team in the nation entered Tuesday's matchup with the Santa FE Saints having scored 33 runs in three games, and equaled their average, plating 11 in an 11-1 win over the Santa Fe Saints.  No one has been able to slow down Chipola College as they picked up their fourth straight win at the tournament to move into the championship day on Wednesday needing to beat Palm Beach for a spot at the JUCO World Series.  Palm Beach would need to beat the Indians twice to earn a spot in Grand Junction, CO.

"It was another very good year," said SF Coach Johnny Wiggs.  "This sophomore class leaves as the winningest class in school history with 80 wins.  Today didn't go as we'd hoped, but I am so proud of our guys and this season."

Santa Fe (38-13) scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the third on a RBI single by Brandon Hernandez to break the ice.

Saints starter Ricky Miranda held the Indians hitless through three innings, but in the fourth back to back homeruns gave Chipola a lead they wouldn't relinquish.  They tacked on another run in the fourth, three in the sixth, two in the seventh, and three more in the eighth.

In the bottom of the eighth Matt Quicuit hit a towering shot over the left field foul pole that appeared fair, but was called foul by the home plate umpire, erasing what would have been a two run shot.

Brandon Hernandez finished the game with two hits, a RBI, and two of the best defensive plays of the tournament.

The Saints end their season with a 38-13 record, a Mid-Florida Conference championship, and a third place finish at the FCSAA Tournament.

Fans can watch every game of the tournament on the FCSAA YouTube Channel.

For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com. 

-30-