The Santa Fe Saints were unable to comeback from an early deficit and fell to the Falcons of Daytona State College 5-1 Monday afternoon in Gainesville.

Saints starter Conner Churchill (4-2) struggled early giving up two runs in the first and a three-run home run in the third in his only sub-par outing of the season.

"We didn't get a good start on the mound and we couldn't get anything going offensively," said SF head coach Johnny Wiggs.

A J Stento, Joey Hecht and Zach Henderson kept the Saints hitters off balance all day allowing just three hits. The Saints scored their only run of the game in the second inning when Garrett Mathes led off with his ninth double of the season and scored two batters later on a sacrifice fly by Cade Westbrook.

Anthony Arguelles relieved Churchill in the third inning and threw 6.6 innings of scoreless ball, giving up just one hit and a walk with six strikeouts, but a couple of run saving catches by the Falcon' outfielders help keep the game in check for DSC.

"Arguelles threw great and gave us a chance, but we couldn't get it done at the plate." Said Wiggs.

The Saints have now loss four of their last five games and fall to 17-8 overall and 0-2 in Mid-Florida Conference play.

"Every team hits a tough spot and we are in ours right now," said Wiggs. "Only hard work and mental toughness will get you through it. Hopefully we will play better Wednesday."

SF will travel to Daytona on Wednesday to finish up the three-game series with DSC with the game scheduled to start at 3 p.m.

For all SF Athletics schedules, stats and more visit santafesaints.com

=GO SAINTS-