Raiders Open Home Stand Against LBW Tuesday
Game 7
No. 6 Northwest Florida State vs. Lurleen B. Wallace
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 | 3:00 PM | Niceville, FL | NWF Baseball Complex
Links: Live Stream | Game Changer
Game 8
No. 6 Northwest Florida State vs. Bishop State
Friday, February 9, 2024 | Noon | Niceville, FL | NWF Baseball Complex
Links: Live Stream | Game Changer
Game 9-10
No. 6 Northwest Florida State vs. Lake Land College
Saturday, February 10, 2024 | 11:00 AM / 2:00 PM | Niceville, FL | NWF Baseball Complex
Links: Live Stream | Game Changer
FIRST PITCH
Northwest Florida State baseball kicks off their home stretch this week with a packed schedule, commencing with their home opener against Lurleen B. Wallace on Tuesday at 3:00 PM. The Saints gotten off to a hot start this season, clinching victories in five out of their first six games, including impressive offensive displays with ten runs scored in five of those matchups. Notably, they tallied 34 runs combined against Faulkner University and 16 against Calhoun.
After Tuesday's showdown, the Raiders will gear up for three more exciting games over the weekend. They'll face Bishop State in a single game on Friday at noon, followed by a doubleheader against Lake Land on Saturday starting at 11:00 AM. The Wild Cats have kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 record, securing wins against Nunez (5-0) and Lawson State (13-8).
As for the Lakers, their season opener is scheduled for Friday, February 9, against Mississippi Gulf Coast. Consequently, Saturday's games will mark only their second and third appearances of the season.
LAST TIME OUT
The Raiders delivered an impressive performance in Panama City during the Visit Panama City Beach Classic, co-hosted by Gulf Coast State and Publix Sports Complex. Over the weekend, they secured a 2-1 record, triumphing over No. 16 Florida Southwestern (6-3) for the second time this season and defeating No. 2 Wabash Valley (5-1). However, they met their match in the semifinals against Gulf Coast (4-3), the eventual champions. Unfortunately, their final game on Sunday was canceled due to rain.
Cayden Gaskin continued to excel at the plate, contributing five hits, three RBIs, and five steals. Gaskin leads the Raiders in hits (11), extra base hits (5), and is tied with Cade Sadler for RBIs with seven. Chase Williams also had a standout weekend in Panama City, tallying five hits, a home run, three steals, and four runs.
On the pitching front, two players stood out. Colin Linder showcased his talent by pitching five shutout innings against the No. 2 team in the nation, striking out five without allowing a hit to earn the win. Mack Estrada delivered an impressive performance, pitching six innings against Gulf Coast on Saturday, striking out eight while conceding only two runs.
COVERING THE BASES
The Raiders boast one of the nation's premier pitching staffs, with their array of arms ranking in the top 20 for strikeouts (62) and strikeouts per nine innings (12.13), while also maintaining a top-50 ERA (4.70).
Additionally, the Raiders' offense has been formidable in the early stages of the season. NWF ranks in the top 30 for hits (58), doubles (11), home runs (7), extra base hits (19), total bases (92), walks (35), hit by pitch (14) and stolen bases (22).
RANKING THE RAIDERS
In the recently revealed NJCAA Region 8 Preseason Coaches' Polls, NWF secured the prestigious second rank in the FCSAA. The Raiders amassed 140 points, positioning them just behind Central Florida, who secured 180 points with 18 first-place votes. Additionally, Northwest Florida claimed the sixth spot in the first NJCAA rankings, accumulating 120 points.
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