Raiders' Offense Dominates in Doubleheader Sweep Against Baton Rouge on Tuesday
GAME ONE
Cayden Gaskin delivered an impressive performance, driving in four runs on two hits to propel Northwest Florida State to a 12-3 victory over Baton Rouge at Northwest Florida State College. Gaskin's contributions included a double in the second inning, bringing in three runs, and a solo home run to left field in the first inning, scoring one.
The Bears seized the lead in the first inning when Colin Dupre singled, driving in one run. However, Gaskin's home run in the bottom of the first allowed the Raiders to tie the game at one.
In the bottom of the second, the Raiders surged ahead, breaking the tie with Qrey Lott's RBI single and Gaskin's double, extending the lead to 5-1.
NWF added four more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, highlighted by Jaquae Stewart's two-run homer to left field and Chase Williams' two-run double.
Jackson Evers earned the win for the Raiders, pitching two scoreless innings in relief and striking out four batters. Reid Godchaux took the loss for Baton Rouge, conceding five runs on seven hits over four innings.
The Raiders amassed 12 hits in the game, with Lott, Gaskin, Preston Murphy, and Colby Jones each contributing two hits. The team also demonstrated discipline at the plate, drawing nine walks. Gaskin and Stewart led the team with two walks each.
Dupre led the Bears offense with two RBIs, while Seth Fontenot showcased solid defense, recording six chances in the field without committing an error.
Northwest Florida State will host Baton Rouge again on Tuesday for their next game.
GAME TWO
Jaquae Stewart's explosive performance propelled Northwest Florida State to a commanding 14-7 victory over Baton Rouge CC in Niceville on Tuesday.
Stewart showcased his power hitting with home runs in both the first and second innings, setting the tone for the Raiders' offense. Despite a spirited effort from Baton Rouge, Northwest Florida State dominated the offensive exchanges, amassing 11 hits compared to the Bears' seven in this high-scoring contest.
The Raiders seized control early, with Stewart's three-run homer in the bottom of the first inning followed by Bryce Hubbard's sacrifice fly, extending their lead.
The Raiders continued to pile on the runs in the second inning, with Stewart's second homer of the game accompanied by contributions from Colby Jones, Kendrey Maduro, Hubbard, Chase Williams, and Cayden Gaskin, further bolstering their advantage.
Adding two more runs in the sixth inning, NWF maintained their offensive onslaught. Hubbard's solo home run and Stewart being hit by a pitch to drive in a run extended their lead.
Pitcher Alex Walsh secured the win for the Raiders, conceding just two hits and one run over three innings while striking out five. Tanner Cranford suffered the loss for the Bears, allowing 10 runs (eight earned) on seven hits over one and two-thirds innings.
The Raiders displayed disciplined batting, drawing eight walks in the game, with Hubbard, Gaskin, and Williams leading the charge with multiple hits. Brock Tapper and Gaskin stood out with two walks each, while Northwest Florida State's solid defense ensured they didn't commit a single error throughout the game.