Santa Fe Catholic Wins #800 for Coach David Saliba

The Santa Fe Catholic baseball team celebrates Manager David Saliba’s 800th career coaching victory, after defeating The Master’s Academy in the 2A regional playoffs. *Photo from @SantaFeCatholicHighSchool.

Santa Fe Catholic’s playoff victory on Wednesday was even sweeter, as the Hawks’ 11-2 win over The Master’s Academy Eagles was the 800th career coaching victory for longtime Manager David Saliba.

By virtue of the win, the Hawks extend their season and keep their chances alive in chasing after a state championship. Santa Fe Catholic (22-5) advances to the regional semifinals, a road date on Saturday at The First Academy Royals (21-6). The Hawks also extend their winning streak to eleven games, which played a massive determining factor in Coach Saliba enjoying this milestone this season.

The Hawks nearly led wire-to-wire, as they took the lead with a three-run first inning and never looked back. They added another run in each of the next two frames, before a six-run outburst in the sixth inning put the game out of reach.

*Photo from @SantaFeCatholicHighSchool.

Everybody got into the action to contribute to the win, as every offensive starter reached base and either scored a run or drove in a run, or both. Gavin Stedman, David Flores, Ethan Crawford and Easton Beach all had two hits each, each going 2-for-3 on the night. Flores did the most damage, driving in two runs and also scoring two runs, while Crawford also had two RBI and a run and Beach and Stedman both scored twice.

Michael Welling also drove in two runs for the Hawks.

Stedman earned the victory on the mound, with five gritty innings of work. The junior right-hander allowed one earned run on five hits and a walk, and he also hit two batters. He recorded seven strikeouts, and reliever Jameson McGuire struck out three more hitters in two scoreless relief innings.

The fans were out in full support of Coach Saliba on Wednesday night. *Photo from @SantaFeCatholicHighSchool.

*****Flashback & read about Coach Saliba’s 700th Career Win.

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