Raiders Win in Extras to Extend Season

LAKELAND, Fla. - Northwest Florida was in control of the game through the first 8 innings until the Raiders' nerves got to them in the final 3 outs.

A few walks along with a couple ground balls narrowed the game from 5-2 to 5-4 with 2 outs and a runner on 2nd. The game looked to be over when Gavin Black forced Region VIII Player of the Year Kevin Karstetter to fly out to right field. However, a miscommunication in the outfield allowed the ball to drop to the turf and brought in the tying run. A 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the 9th sent the game to extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, with runners on 1st and 3rd and 2 outs, Austin Dearing sent a line drive to the wall for a 2-RBI double to put the Manatees up 7-5. A strikeout in the next at-bat ended the inning and brought the Raiders up to the plate.

Paul Winland led things off with a single into right field and 2 batters later, pinch hitter Matt Gonzalez came in and drew a walk. Scott Mudler ripped a double down the left field line with 1 out, bringing in Winland and pinch runner Jack O'Brien to knot things up at 7. The next batter, Cayden Gaskin drew a 4 ball walk and the Manatees brought in a new pitcher. Lead-off batter Tyler Lejeune drew a 4 ball walk, his 4th walk of the night. With bases loaded and 1 out, Colby Jones drew a walk on a full count to walk it off for the Raiders to extend their season.

Gavin Black collected the win for the Raiders, pitching the final 5 outs and picking up 2 strikeouts. Kyson Witherspoon was dominant in the first 6 innings of the game, allowing only 3 hits and striking out 5. Wilson Perkins threw the 7th and 8th inning, giving up 1 run and striking out 2. 

Northwest Florida (33-18-1) will face the loser of Miami Dade/Central Florida tomorrow, at 1:00 PM (EST).