Raiders Defeat No. 1 Gulf Coast 10-2 in Seven Innings on Monday

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Jaquae Stewart's explosive performance, driving in four runs with one hit, propelled Northwest Florida State to a dominant 10-2 seven-inning victory over number one ranked Gulf Coast State on Monday in Panama City. Stewart's standout moment came in the fourth inning when he smashed a homer to right field, bringing in three crucial runs.

The Raiders' triumph was fueled by a remarkable seven-run surge in the fourth inning. Tyler Lejeune drew a walk, adding one run, while Chase Williams contributed with a sacrifice fly for another. An error allowed two runs, and Stewart's second homer of the game sealed the deal with three more runs.

Pitcher Jackson Evers claimed the win for Northwest Florida, conceding only one run on two hits across four innings, striking out two and issuing four walks. On the other side, R. Byers took the loss for Gulf Coast State, pitching three and one-third innings and allowing three runs on one hit, with five strikeouts and two walks. Bryon Rincones provided relief for the Raiders, pitching three innings while punching out eight Commodores.

Jones led Northwest Florida State's offense with a 2-for-4 performance at the plate, also stealing four bases. The team showcased their speed with a total of six stolen bases. Additionally, Northwest Florida State executed one double play during the game.

For Gulf Coast State, Jack Reynolds stood out with two hits in four at-bats from the leadoff position. Collin Lindsey and Jeremy Todd each contributed an RBI. Gulf Coast State also turned one double play.

The Raiders now move to 2-1 in Panhandle Conference play and 17-6 on the season. The team has also won eight of it's last ten games and looks to carry their recent run of success into the conference portion of the schedule. 

Northwest Florida State will host Gulf Coast State in in another conference showdown on Wednesday, March 13, starting at 5:00 PM form NWF Baseball Complex