OCALA, Fla. – The Saints had an early lead at the College of Central Florida, but the Patriots' offense got the best of SF in the later innings in Ocala to complete the sweep of the three-game series, 16-8.

SF started well with four runs in the top of the first to go ahead 4-0. The bases were loaded after a Tyler Shelnut walk, Gabriel Esquivel single, and hit by pitch from Xavier Moronta. In the next at-bat, Santiago Garavito came through with a two-RBI double. Later with two runners on and two outs, a CF error plated two more.

Another error from the Patriots helped bring the SF lead to 5-0 in the top of the third, when Moronta came around to score after hitting a double earlier in the frame.

The hosts were able to produce the game's next four runs with one in the third, two in the fourth, and one more in the fifth to close the deficit to one, 5-4.

The Saints appeared to slow the momentum with a two-run home run from Wyatt Campbell, his second of the season, that pushed the lead to 7-4.

CF once again drew to within a single run, 7-6, with two runs in the sixth.

The wheels started to come off for Saints' pitching, however, in what proved to be the final two innings of play.

The Patriots batted around the order in the seventh to score five runs, an inning that included three walks, a hit batter, and three run-producing Patriot hits.

SF had the bases loaded with one out in the eighth but scored just once on an RBI walk from Jevin Relaford.

The missed opportunity hurt, as the CF offense was then able to finish the game off via the eight-run rule with five more runs in the home half on six hits and a two-RBI walk-off single.

Key Statistics

The Mid-Florida Conference leading Patriots' offense continued to cause SF frustration, and finished with 14 hits to Santa Fe's five.

Additionally, the Saints were hurt by issuing a season-high 14 walks.

The five Saints hits came from five different hitters, with Moronta and Garavito doubling and Campbell clearing the fence.

The starter Lance Bolton had the no-decision, throwing four innings while allowing three hits, three runs (two earned), and six walks to go along with three K's.

Jake Blair, Jalen Hudson, Wyatt Campbell, and Carson Pillsbury all pitched out of the bullpen, with Hudson (1-2) being charged with the loss.

Up Next

Santa Fe (21-18, 9-9 MFC) will aim to put an end to a four-game slide when it hosts Seminole State College (20-15, 10-6 MFC) on Friday, Apr. 8 at 3:00 p.m.