Raiders Open Seven-Game Home Stand with Doubleheader Tomorrow Afternoon
FIRST PITCH
Northwest Florida State baseball begins an exciting seven-game home stretch tomorrow afternoon with a doubleheader against Baton Rouge College, starting at noon (CST).
After Tuesday's matchups, the Raiders will continue their home stand with five more games. Hosting Motlow State and San Jacinto, the Raiders have four games lined up between Friday and Saturday. The action-packed weekend kicks off with a doubleheader on Friday, commencing with a game against the Ravens at 11:00 a.m., followed by a showdown against the Bucks at 2:00 p.m. Friday's action concludes with a game between the Ravens and Bucks, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
On Saturday, the Raiders will face off against the Ravens once again at 11:00 a.m., while the Bucks take on the Ravens in the 2:00 p.m. slot. Closing out the weekend, the Raiders will battle the Bucks in a game at 5:00 p.m.
The home stand culminates next week with a home game against TNXL Academy on Monday, February 26, at 3:00 p.m.
LAST TIME OUT
Following a 2-2 weekend in Meridian, Miss. last week, the Raiders had a mixed performance. They secured victories in their first two games against the Eagles on Wednesday but faced setbacks against Meridian and Hinds in consecutive matchups on Thursday.
Against Meridian and Hinds, the Raiders showcased resilience, particularly in their dominating 16-2 performance (two games) over the Eagles on day one. However, in their first game against Meridian on day two, they found themselves trailing early, with the Eagles taking a 3-0 lead until the Raiders tied the game in the third inning. Despite their efforts, Meridian managed to secure a 5-4 victory over NWF by capitalizing on opportunities in successive innings.
In the second game against Hinds, the Raiders struggled to ignite their offense, facing a 4-0 deficit in the first three innings. Despite their efforts, they could only muster one run for the remainder of the game as Hinds emerged victorious, 4-1.
AT THE PLATE
In the batter's box, several returning players have been standout performers in the opening month of the season for the Raiders. Cayden Gasikin leads the team with 17 hits, while Cade Sadler tops the charts with four home runs, showcasing their strong start to the 2024 season. Both Gasikin and Sadler also rank among the top five on the team in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
Additionally, a pair of freshmen, Jaquae Stewart and Chase Williams, have made impressive debuts, contributing significantly to the team's offensive production. Stewart and Williams are among the team leaders in hits, RBIs, batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, adding depth to the Raiders' lineup.
ON THE MOUND
Northwest Florida State boasts one of the nation's premier pitching staffs, currently ranked among the top in various statistical categories. With a collective earned run average (ERA) of 3.41, the Raiders' pitching unit ranks 26th nationally. Furthermore, the team ranks 20th in strikeouts per nine innings (K/9) with an impressive rate of 11.29, and 25th in walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) with 1.25, showcasing their dominance on the mound.
Notably, the Raiders feature four pitchers with sub-three ERAs, highlighting their depth and talent on the pitching staff. Standout performers include Alex Kruse and Alex Walsh with perfect 0.00 ERAs, followed by Mack Estrada (1.32 ERA) and Bryon Rincones (2.08 ERA). Sam Strek and Brock Tapper also contribute significantly, with ERAs of 2.25 and 2.30, respectively.
Tapper and Estrada lead the team in innings pitched and strikeouts, with Tapper logging 21 punchouts and Estrada close behind with 20, further solidifying the Raiders' pitching prowess on the mound.
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