Seven-Run Third Inning Powers Raiders to 11-1 Victory Over Tallahassee on Thursday

NICEVILLE, Fla. — On Thursday, Northwest Florida State baseball dominated Tallahassee with an 11-1 victory (five innings), fueled by a seven-run surge in the third inning. 

Preston Murphy's single brought in two runs, Chase Williams added another with a single, Cayden Gaskin contributed with a single, Colby Jones hit a triple to drive in two runs, and Jaquae Stewart walked home one run.

The momentum started early for Northwest Florida State, seizing the lead in the bottom of the first inning. Stewart's single and an error each scored a run, while Kendrey Maduro's single brought in two more.

Brock Tapper claimed the win for the Raiders, pitching five innings, allowing four hits and one run, while striking out six and walking three. Abreu took the loss for the Eagles, pitching two and two-thirds innings, giving up 10 runs (three earned) on eight hits, with two strikeouts and two walks.

Northwest Florida amassed nine hits during the game, with Gaskin and Murphy leading the charge with two hits each. Murphy, Jones, and Maduro all contributed with two RBIs each. The team executed one double play and showcased flawless fielding with no errors, with Murphy leading defensively with six chances.

Tallahassee managed to collect five hits, with Vanegas, Hosey, Rebhan, and Smith each contributing one hit. Hosey drove in Tallahassee CC's lone run and went 1-for-2 as the 3-hole hitter.

This victory marks the second straight five-inning run rule for Northwest Florida over Tallahassee after the Raiders beat the Eagles 11-0 on Tuesday. In addition, the Raiders edge a half game ahead of Chipola for the top spot in the Panhandle standings, aiming for their second consecutive title as the season nears its end.

Next in line for the Raiders is a pair of seven inning games at Tallahassee on Saturday for games three and four of the series. The doubleheader will kickoff at 1:00 p.m. with game two set to begin at around 4:00 p.m.