The 2016 Mid-Florida Conference champion Santa Fe Saints took a 5-3 lead into the ninth inning against the St. John’s River State College, but failed to hold the lead, falling 6-5 to the Vikings.
Without the services of closer Troy Bacon, Santa Fe relievers walked four straight in the ninth inning and then gave up the game winning hit.
“This was a tough loss,” said SF coach Johnny Wiggs. “We need some guys besides Troy to step up and get us some outs late in the game. Hopefully a game like this will serve us well in the postseason.”
Robbie Hanlon put SF on the board for the first time in the seventh with a three run blast and SF broke a 3-3 tie in the eighth on a Kyle Phillips single and a wild pitch. Hanlon was 2-for-3 with a homerun and three RBI, and Hugo Valdes was 2-for-5.
Despite the loss the NJCAA #1 Saints have already clinched the Mid-Florida Conference championship and the #1 seed at the FCSAA Tournament.
SF will be back at home on Wednesday against Florida State College-Jacksonville at 3:00 PM.
For complete schedules, stats, and more information please visit www.santafesaints.com