OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) Patriots grabbed the lead late in their 6-5 win over the St. John’s River State College Vikings in Palatka on Tuesday evening. CF was down 5-3 in the top of the seventh when Victor Martinez launched a three-run home run—his seventh of the season—to put the Patriots ahead for good.

The Pats opened strong, scoring three runs in the top of the first. Jacob McKenzie and Anthony Diaz delivered RBI singles, and McKenzie later scored on a wild pitch.

The Vikings (20-18) answered in the fourth. Jan Oquendo led off with his sixth home run of the season, the Vikings’ first hit and run. A Ben Barrow double and a Padric Smith sacrifice fly tied the game at 3-3. CF starter Kohl Kilcrease went five innings, allowing four hits, three runs, and striking out eight. St. John’s took a 5-3 lead in the sixth, aided by three hit batters and two walks.

College of Central Florida's Anthony Diaz prepares to swing during Tuesday's game against St. John’s River State College in Palatka, Fla. Diaz had an RBI single in the Patriots’ 6-5 comeback win.
College of Central Florida’s Anthony Diaz prepares to swing during Tuesday’s game against St. John’s River State College in Palatka, FL. Diaz had an RBI single in the Patriots’ 6-5 comeback win. Courtesy: Coach David Houtz/College of Central Florida

That lead didn’t last long, as Martinez’s homer flipped the game in the seventh.

The Pats’ bullpen sealed the win. Karson Lindsey (1.1 IP, 0H, 0R, 2K, W), Miles Curley (1.1 IP, 0H, 0R), and Arturo Ormaza (0.2 IP, H, 0R, K, Save) combined to shut out the Vikings over the final three frames.

The #11 NJCAA-ranked Patriots (26-8, 11-7) begin a pivotal Citrus Conference series Thursday, March 27, at 5 p.m. in Bradenton against State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (23-12, 11-7). The teams are tied for second in the standings.

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