Cole, Eagles outduel St. Johns River State for tenth straight win

PALATKA, Fla. (March 8, 2014) – Victor Cole and two relievers combined on a six-hit shutout as NJCAA No. 16/FCSAA No. 2 Tallahassee Community College defeated FCSAA No. 6 St. Johns River State College, 1-0, on Saturday afternoon.

Tallahassee, playing for the first time since Tuesday, improved to 22-5 with its tenth straight victory, its second double-digit winning streak of the season. The Eagles opened the season with an 11-game winning streak. 

Tallahassee managed only three hits and struck out 11 times, but the Eagles manufactured a run in the sixth inning to break the scoreless tie.

Kyle Pausche drew a leadoff walk, moved into scoring position on Cole Johnson's sac bunt and advanced to third on an error by St. Johns River State catcher Jose Hernandez. 

With two outs, Ryne Willard singled to shallow center, bringing home Pausche with what turned out to be the only run of the game. 

Willard had two of the Eagles' three hits. 

Meanwhile, Cole delivered another outstanding performance. He allowed four hits, no walks and struck out eight over seven-plus innings then handed the ball and a 1-0 lead to his bullpen after hitting the Vikings' leadoff hitter in the eighth.

Collin Strall came in to start the eighth, and Connor O'Brien came on with two outs in the inning and recorded the game's final four outs to notch the save.

Tallahassee will close its non-conference schedule with three consecutive doubleheaders, beginning with Sunday's visit from the Thomas University JV squad.

Game one is slated to begin at 2 p.m.