Santa Fe College (21-15, 10-4 Mid-Florida Conference) ended its conference game against Seminole Community College early on Saturday with an 11-1 mercy-rule victory in seven innings.
"You never know what is going to happen in college baseball, and you want a win no matter how it comes to you," SFC coach Johnny Wiggs said. "Wins are wins."
SFC pitcher Gary Merians allowed only five hits and 1 run during his seven innings. Wiggs and SFC's coaching staff credit Merians with providing the Saints with solid starts in multiple games this season.
Offensively, the Saints were nearly perfect. Right fielder Ryan Mathews went 3 for 3, provided three RBIs and scored 1 run. Designated hitter Nathan Hartman went 2 for 2 and also scored 1 run. First basemen Trace Venegas led SFC with four RBIs.
"We hadn't played since (March 31). We had a rainout on Wednesday, and we had a bye on Friday," Wiggs said. "We had a concern about how we would respond offensively, but we ended up doing a great job."
By defeating SCC, the Saints kept their first place standing in the MFC. They are a half-game ahead of Central Florida Community College and three games ahead of St. John's River Community College and Daytona State College, which are tied for third.
The top two teams in the MFC will advance to the FCCAA Region VIII State Tournament in May.
"We are right there, neck-and-neck with Central Florida," Wiggs said. "Of course, our goal is to win a Mid-Florida championship, and we have 10 games to go."
The Saints' next home game will be against Daytona State College on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
