After losing six straight games, Santa Fe Community College desperately needed a win but almost didn't have the chance thanks to some inclement weather.
When the rain finally lifted, however, the Saints ended the losing streak and marked two in the win column after sweeping a doubleheader against Kellogg (Mich.) Community College on Tuesday afternoon.
"We fought really hard to get these games in, and it was definitely worth it," SFCC coach Johnny Wiggs said. "We needed something like this to get our confidence going before conference play started."
The Saints defeated the Bruins 11-3 and 6-5 to improve to 14-9 in the last leg of their non-conference schedule.
Game One saw two rain delays and was nearly postponed, but the weather finally cleared and the Saints scored three runs in the fifth inning to take a 5-3 lead. The sixth inning saw another offensive explosion, as five consecutive players traded places at second base -four on doubles, one on a single and a throwing error - resulting in six additional runs.
Catcher Jordan Hollis ignited the Saints' offense by going 3 for 4 at the plate with four RBIs and was a home run shy of hitting for the cycle in Game One.
In the second game, SFCC mounted another comeback after trailing 4-1 through five innings. Hollis once again played a key part in the rally, stroking a first-pitch single to send home shortstop Tyler Cook, the first of four Saints to cross the plate in the sixth inning.
The Bruins tied the game in the top of the seventh inning.
In the bottom of the seventh with two outs and a runner on third base, right fielder Andy Mee took ball one from Kellogg's Tyler Kelly, who mishandled the return throw from the catcher and let the ball roll away, allowing the Saints' Callahan Hood to trot home with the winning run.
It may not have been the textbook ending, but SFCC was happy to come away with both wins.
"The team was down and we were humbled a bit after losing six straight," Hollis said. "We needed something to get our confidence back up. We came out today and just played together. Everyone contributed and we got exactly what we needed."
Eight different pitchers took the mound for the Saints on Tuesday, with only last Sunday's starter, Matt Hinkle, and the starters for this weekend, Andy Mee and John Lambert, unavailable. The plan was designed to make sure every pitcher is fresh for the start of conference play, Wiggs said.
After seeing solid pitching performances as well as timely hitting from his club, the Saints' coach feels his team is ready to take on its conference foes.
"Every time we take the field I feel like we're going to win," Wiggs said. "This is one of the most talented clubs that I've had. I still believe that. We may not have played as well as I'd hoped at times, but we're on the right track now."
Hollis also stressed the importance of Tuesday's wins as the team heads into conference action.
"We feel good now," he said. "We're starting to get back into it, and hopefully we'll start rolling."
