CLEARWATER, FL (352today.com) – Brett House drove in four runs on two hits to lead the College of Central Florida (CF) Patriots past the St. Petersburg College Titans, 8-4, on Saturday afternoon in Clearwater. House doubled in two runs in the third inning and added a solo home run in the sixth – his third of the season.

The victory marked the Patriots’ fifth consecutive conference win, moving them into a tie for first place with a 6-3 conference record. Overall, CF improved to 17-4, while St. Petersburg College dropped to 3-16-1, 1-8 in conference play.

Brett House taps hands with Coach Jonathan Koenigsfeld as he rounds third base after hitting a home run during CF’s 8-4 win over St. Petersburg College on Saturday in Clearwater.
Brett House taps hands with Coach Jonathan Koenigsfeld as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run during CF’s 8-4 win over St. Petersburg College on Saturday in Clearwater. Courtesy: Coach David Houtz/College of Central Florida

After three innings, the Patriots held a narrow 6-4 lead, but their bullpen took over from there, shutting out the Titans over the final six frames. Braydon Toro (1-2) earned the win, tossing two innings and allowing two hits with one strikeout.

Jose Paniagua delivers a pitch in the final innings, sealing CF’s 8-4 win over St. Petersburg College on Saturday in Clearwater. Courtesy: Coach David Houtz/College of Central Florida
Jose Paniagua delivers a pitch in the final innings, sealing CF’s 8-4 win over St. Petersburg College on Saturday in Clearwater. Courtesy: Coach David Houtz/College of Central Florida

Arturo Ormaza entered in the fifth, escaping a bases-loaded, no-out jam. He pitched 2.2 scoreless innings, surrendering two hits while striking out four. Jose Paniagua closed out the final two innings, not allowing a hit or run and recording one strikeout.

Offensively, Anthony Diaz contributed two hits, including a double and an RBI, while Cooper Jones added a double and two RBI.

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“Even though we didn’t play at our best today, we have enough talent on this team that someone usually steps up and we find a way to get the job done,” said Patriots Assistant Coach Tony Voiro.

CF will return to Goodlett Field in Ocala on Tuesday to host the Vikings of St. John’s River State College. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.

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