Gainesville, FL – It was a busy opening day for the Santa Fe Saints as they took to Clearwater for the JUCO Kickoff Classic and a packed three game slate. The Saints (2-1) finished on the winning side of things, taking two of three games.
The early game against Pensacola State College at 11 a.m. started with a 2-1 lead for the Saints after an inning and stayed there until an offensive filled fourth for SF.
Santa Fe plated five runs in that fourth inning and added two in the sixth and one in the seventh to put up double digits. The Pirates scored three in the fifth to try and climb back in, but it was too little too late as the Saints held on for the 10-8 victory.
SF piled up 17 hits including four from Haissette Escuerdo’s four (three doubles), three each for Bailee Moll and Shailynn Morales, and two apiece for Evelyn Argueles and Natalia Bellinger. Morales finished with a high four RBI and Escuardo had two.
In game two against South Georgia State College, the Saints scored a late run in the sixth to break a 4-4 tie and earn a 5-4 for their second on the day.
Shelby West, Shailynn Morales, and Bailee Moll had two hits each.
Their final game of the day was against Georgia Military College. Santa Fe held an early lead but two five run innings by GMU led them to the 10-3 win.
The Saints will play their home opener Saturday, Jan. 29 at 2:00 and 4 p.m. against Universidad de Puerto Rico.
For complete schedules, stats and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com.