NWF Splits Doubleheader With Tallahassee; Coach Martin Secures 500th Career Win
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State Baseball capped off a four-game set with Tallahassee on Saturday with a doubleheader in the State Capital. The Raiders took a resounding 10-0 victory in five innings over the Eagles, marking the third straight run-rule victory for the Raiders over the Eagles. However, Northwest Florida's offense was stifled in game two, being held to three runs on three hits, ultimately falling 5-3 in seven innings.
The victory in game one was a special one as it marked head coach Doug Martin's 500th career win as the Raiders' skipper. Martin is in his 16th season with the Raiders and has secured three Panhandle Conference Titles (2011, 2019, 2023), one FCSAA/Region VIII Championship (2015), and one National Championship (2015) to go along with his 500 wins.
At 28-12 overall and 13-7 in conference play, Martin's team is in position to secure another Panhandle Conference Championship as they currently sit one game ahead of Chipola for first place. The team has a chance to clinch the conference next week as they get set to close out the regular season with a four game set against Pensacola.
GAME ONE
Northwest Florida State baseball showcased their dominance with a resounding 10-0 victory (five innings) over Tallahassee in game one of Saturday's doubleheader. Kendrey Maduro led the charge with two home runs and five RBIs, powering the Raiders to victory. Maduro's homers came in the third and fifth innings, solidifying the Raiders' offensive prowess.
The Raiders wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, as Tyler Lejeune's second-inning single drove in two runs. In the third inning, Northwest Florida State piled on five more runs to extend their lead to 7-0. Cayden Gaskin and Cade Sadler each contributed with doubles, driving in runs, while Maduro's second home run of the game further bolstered the Raiders' advantage.
Pitcher Mack Estrada delivered a stellar performance for Northwest Florida State, pitching five innings of shutout ball, allowing only four hits while striking out five. On the opposing side, Asbill took the loss for Tallahassee CC, giving up six runs (three earned) over two and one-third innings.
Gaskin and Maduro stood out offensively for Northwest Florida State, each collecting two hits. The Raiders also displayed defensive prowess, turning three double plays during the game.
GAME TWO
Despite their earlier triumph, Northwest Florida State fell short in the second game of the doubleheader, losing 5-3 to Tallahassee. The Eagles took an early lead in the first inning, scoring four runs, highlighted by Vanegas's RBI single and Melo's two-run groundout. Tallahassee added another run in the sixth inning with a solo home run by Smith.
The Raiders fought back, scoring two runs in the seventh inning courtesy of Jaquae Stewart's home run to left field. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Eagles lead.
Pitcher Stanford secured the win for Tallahassee , allowing three hits and three runs (two earned) over six innings, striking out eight. Alex Walsh took the loss for Northwest Florida, pitching five innings and giving up five runs on six hits.
Stewart led the offensive effort for the Raiders with two RBIs, while Jones, Maduro, and Stewart each contributed with one hit.
UP NEXT
The Raiders will wrap up their regular season next week when they get set to take on Pensacola in a four game series set to be played in Niceville and Pensacola. Games one and two will take place at the NWF Baseball complex Tuesday and Thursday before shifting over to Pensacola Saturday for the final two games.