OCALA, FL (352today.com) -The College of Central (CF) Florida Patriots held off a late rally by the Santa Fe Saints to earn a 13-12 victory in the second game of Saturday’s Citrus Conference doubleheader, securing a series win two games to one.

Dawson Harman once again led the Patriots’ offense, launching two home runs in game two to bring his season total to 14. He finished the game with three hits and three RBIs. Victor Martinez added his sixth home run of the season, also driving in three runs, while Cooper Jones belted a three-run shot – his fourth. The Patriots racked up 16 hits to build a six-run lead but needed strong relief efforts to seal the win. Jose Paniagua (2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 K), Karson Lindsey (0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R), and Colston Altman (0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R) combined to close out the final three innings. Miles Curley (2-for-4, 2 R, RBI), Jacob McKenzie (3-for-5, RBI), and Marcus Bradshaw (2-for-4, 3 R, SB) also contributed to the offensive surge.

Courtesy: Heidi Kearney/College of Central Florida

In game one, CF jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning with five hits, including a two-run double by Martinez and an RBI single from Anthony Diaz. However, Santa Fe responded quickly, capitalizing on early struggles from CF starting pitcher Hunter Jones and pulling ahead for good in a 9-5 win. The Saints’ offense was powered by Ryan Chase (2-for-3, HR), Zach Dejesus (2-for-4, 2 R), and Erik Blair (1-for-3, 2B), who collectively drove in all nine of Santa Fe’s runs. Tanner Swank collected two hits and an RBI for the Patriots.

Courtesy: Heidi Kearney/College of Central Florida

With the split, CF improves to 25-8 overall and 11-7 in Citrus Conference play, tying them for second place. Santa Fe drops to 16-18 overall and 8-10 in conference action.

The Patriots will head to Palatka on Tuesday for a non-conference matchup against the St. Johns River State College Vikings. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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