GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - The Santa Fe Saints will be playing in the Junior College World Series championship game on Friday after defeating the San Jacinto Gators 12-4.

The Saints strung together 15 hits to help support Gary Merians pitching effort. Merians picked up his second win of the JUCO World Series. Merians struck out five in 6.1 innings.

San Jacinto's Deric Hawkins led the Gators with two hits in the loss. Steven Vedaurri hit the games only home run in the loss.

Santa Fe will now play against Howard on Friday night at 7:30 MDT. Santa Fe will have to defeat Howard twice to get the title.