DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Santa Fe Baseball set the tone early and took a 4-0 lead through the first couple of innings in the first game of the series with Daytona State College, and the offense continued to produce the rest of the way in a run-rule, 11-3 victory in eight innings.

In the victory, Tyler Shelnut tied the program-record for home runs in a season, belting his 19th in what has been a prolific season. Shelnut is currently tied with Santa Fe Athletics Hall of Famer Matt Armstrong, who had 19 in 2001.

The game began with back-to-back singles from Jevin Relaford and Shelnut, and Relaford accounted for the first run with an RBI groundout from Gabriel Esquivel.

In the second inning, baserunners were at second and third base after a single from Jake McKee and double from Zeb Marquis. Hunter Keen came to the dish and had an RBI single, and then Relaford added an RBI bunt single of his own. Later in the frame, Esquivel's sacrifice fly handed the Saints the 4-0 edge.

Relaford's second RBI single of the game in the top half of the fourth gave SF a 5-0 lead, but it was countered by the Falcons' first run of the game off starter Trent Becker.

The fifth saw Santa Fe plate three more runs to lead 8-1 in support of Becker, who continued to be in command from the mound. Bret Madren had an RBI double, and he later scored on a DSC error. Relaford proceeded to strike for his third RBI single to lead 8-1.

Although the Falcons tacked on two runs to cut their deficit to 8-3 in the bottom of the fifth, Becker did well to record the final out and strand two baserunners with an induced groundout.

SF's final three runs came in the top of the eighth inning to put the run-rule in effect. Shelnut led the inning of with a no-doubter to left field, and Luke Marquis had a pinch-hit, two RBI single to bring home the final runs of the contest.

Key Statistics

Becker (7-4) lowered his ERA with a quality start, allowing just five hits, three runs (one earned), and two walks while setting down six DSC hitters via strikeout.

Tobin Moran replaced Becker on the bump for the final inning of work and set the Falcons down in order to hand SF their 25th win of the season.

Relaford was 4-of-5 with four singles and three RBI from the leadoff spot. Shelnut, McKee, and Z. Marquis each had two hits apiece, while L. Marquis and Esquivel each had two RBI. Madren had a double, as did Z. Marquis.

On the basepaths. Relaford and Keen each were able to swipe a bag.

Shelnut homered in his fifth consecutive game, as he tied the program-record with his 19th home run to currently rank No. 2 in the NJCAA.

Up Next

Santa Fe (25-21, 13-12 MFC) will host the Falcons for the series' second game, Wednesday, Apr. 20 at 3:00 p.m. on the SF Baseball Field.