Santa Fe built an early 9-0 lead yesterday, March 30, in Jacksonville against FSC-J in their Mid-Florida Conference match-up, but had to hang on as the Blue Wave came storming back for eight late runs. Troy Bacon finally shut down FSC-J, getting six outs in seven batters faced to close out the game for his ninth save.
Seven different pitchers threw for FCSAA #1/Perfect Game #5 Santa Fe (30-4, 11-1 MFC) as they built a 9-0 lead in the first three innings. SF plated a pair in the first, four more in the second, and three in the third for the early lead.
The Blue Wave pitching was stout the rest of the way, and despite 15 total hits, SF was not able to get any more runs on the board. FSC-J scored four in the sixth to get themselves on the board, two more in the seventh, and a two run homerun in the eighth got them within one before Bacon shut the door.
Six players had multiple hits for Santa Fe, led by a 3-for-5, three RBI performance from Hugo Valdes, and a 2-for-4, two RBI game from Stephen Smith. Valdes is now hitting a robust .438 (39-for-89) on the season.
The Saints and Blue Wave will meet up for the second game of their four meetings this year, when they clash in Gainesville on Friday at 3:00 PM.
For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com.