The CF Patriots are NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

Photo by Todd Bennett
Photo by Todd Bennett

The College of Central Florida Patriots ended the greatest season in school history when they beat Wabash Valley 13-6 and won the NJCAA JUCO World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado. The team lived up to its #1 ranking and being the #1 seeded team at the World Series.

The Pats came ready to play as they jumped all over Wabash Valley starter, Jacob Frost in the top of the first inning plating nine runs on seven hits. The big hits of the inning were a two-run home run by Kainen Jorge, his 15th of the season, and a three-run home run by Cole Bullen, his fifth home run of the season. Juan Correa and Bradke Lohry each had two hits in the first inning onslaught.

CF would add to the lead in the second inning when Mike Guilliams doubled with the bases loaded to push the lead to 12-0. Wabash would score solo runs in the second, third, and sixth innings, but couldn't string any hits together until the bottom of the ninth inning when they scored three times. CF's last run came in on a Thad Ector solo home run, his eleventh of the season.

With this game being the Pats sixth game in eight days, CF decided to use an opener on the mound and JD Smith did just that. Smith went 3 innings allowing only two runs on two hits. Smith gave way to Andrew Herrmann (6-2) in the fourth inning and Herrmann held the powerful Warrior's bats to only three runs over five innings. "Herm" also struck out five batters and earned the win. CF would look to star closer, Cam Schuelke in the ninth inning to secure the win and give the Patriots their first National Championship in school history.

Juan Correa, the Pats first baseman, won the World Series MVP award by hitting .440 (11-25) with 3 home runs and 8 RBI. Brian Holiday was awarded the World Series Most Outstanding Pitcher. Holiday had one win, one save, and struck out 23 batters in his 9.1 innings pitched. Both Correa and Holiday obviously made the World Series All-Tournament team as well as Pats closer, Cam Schuelke and Designated Hitter, John Marant (.407, 9 R, 11 RBI, 2 HR).
   
The Patriots finished 5-1 at the World Series and 56-7 for the season.