MIRANDA POWERS #2 SAINTS TO OPENING DAY VICTORY, 5-2

January 29, 2010

January 29, 2010

Contact: Scott Jamison 352-395-5616 scott.jamison@sfcollege.edu

SF BASEBALL

MIRANDA POWERS #2 SAINTS TO OPENING DAY VICTORY, 5-2

Gainesville, FL – Sophomore first baseman Mike Miranda hit an RBI triple in the third inning and followed it up with a three run homerun in the fourth to propel FCCAA #2 Santa Fe College (1-0) to an opening day win over Hillsborough CC (0-1).

Gary Merians (1-0) picked up the win for SF, striking out eight batters with only one walk in five shutout innings.  Daryl Barnes, Jake Stridfeldt and Ory Pitts bridged the gap to Jardian Thomas who closed the game out to record the save.

“It’s definitely nice to win the first game of the season,” said Coach Johnny Wiggs.  “I’m real happy with Gary and his five shutout innings.  Mike was obviously the key for us on offense with his four RBI.  Hopefully we will build on the success of today and continue to improve on a day to day basis.”

After loading the bases in the first and failing to score, the Saints broke through in the third inning on Miranda’s triple to score the first run.  In the fourth, one run scored on a wild pitch and Miranda struck again, this time with a deep homerun to left centerfield to put SF up 5-0.

HCC was able to get on the board in the sixth on a two run homerun by catcher Tyler Luper.

The Saints pitching shut the door from there and held the Hawks scoreless the rest of the game.

Miranda led Santa Fe on offense, going 2-for-3 with a walk, triple, three run HR and four RBI.  Shortstop TJ Spina was 2-for-5 from the leadoff spot and Nolan Malone and Austin Lawrence each had a hit.

“TJ did a nice job getting on base from the leadoff spot today and that will be important for us going forward,” said Wiggs.  “We will need some better production from some of our other guys if we want to score more runs, but the key for us will be pitching and defense and we did an excellent job in both areas today.”

Santa Fe will travel to South Georgia College in Douglas, GA for a double header on Sunday, January 31 at 1:00pm.  The Saints next home game is on Friday, February 5 when Indian River State College comes to Gainesville for a 3:00pm game.

For complete schedules and more information on Saints Baseball, please visit santafesaints.com.  To see game photos and other updates, follow Santa Fe College Athletics on Facebook.

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