OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The #15 NJCAA-ranked College of Central Florida (CF) Patriots overpowered the Santa Fe College Saints 11-1 in five innings Thursday afternoon at Goodlett Field, combining a high-octane offense with a commanding pitching performance.
Miles Curley sparked the scoring with a solo home run in the second inning – his second of the season. CF erupted for nine runs in the third, sending 14 batters to the plate. Highlights included Dawson Harman’s 12th home run, an Armando Guirola two-run double, and back-to-back RBI hits by Jacob McKenzie.
Santa Fe’s only run came in the fourth on an Erik Blair sacrifice fly. But CF closed the game in the fifth when McKenzie and Curley hit back-to-back doubles, sealing the run-rule victory.
“Miles was really impressive today,” said CF Head Coach Jon Koenigsfeld. “It was good to see him hit four balls over 100 mph and be locked in for all his at bats.”
Starter Brayden Toro (2-2) allowed just one hit over five innings. “I’m extremely proud of how Brayden competed today,” said Pitching Coach JC Sanner.
CF improved to 24-7 (10-6 Citrus Conference), while Santa Fe dropped to 15-17 (7-9). The series continues Saturday, March 22, in Gainesville at 12 p.m.
“It’s always good to get that first game of the series, but we know Coach Wiggs will have his Saints ready to play this Saturday.” said Assistant Coach David Houtz, stressing the Patriots’ need to be ready both mentally and physically. “It’s never easy winning at Santa Fe, so we can’t let our guard down.”
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