Maduro’s Three Home Runs Launch Raiders to Game One Victory
NICEVILLE, Fla. — Kendrey Maduro's explosive performance at the plate today powered Northwest Florida State baseball to a resounding 12-4 victory (eight innings) over Polk State in game one of the FCSAA State Championship Regional Round. Maduro spearheaded the offensive onslaught with an impressive four hits, including three home runs, and five RBIs, single-handedly driving the Raiders' offensive efforts for the first six innings of play.
Sam Strek delivered another solid performance on the mound for the Raiders, pitching seven and one-third innings, allowing three earned runs on nine hits while striking out three. He held the Eagles'offense to just two runs through seven inning of work, helping elevate some of the pressure off the Raiders' own offense.
Cade Sadler also had a productive night at the plate. The First-Team All Conference designated hitter came away with four RBIs on two hits, including a three-run home run in the seventh, and the game winning knock in the eighth - an RBI double to center.
The Raiders grabbed an early lead in the second inning when Maduro blasted a solo shot to left field. However, Polk State surged ahead in the top of the third, with K Johnson's double and Kenealy's groundout each driving in a run.
In the bottom of the fourth, Maduro's two-run homer reclaimed the lead for the Raiders at 3-2.Maduro continued his onslaught with another solo home run in the sixth inning - his third of the game - giving Northwest Florida a 4-2 advantage.
The Raiders broke the game wide open in the seventh, scoring five more runs. Cayden Gaskin's sacrifice fly, Cade Sadler's three-run homer, and Maduro's RBI single fueled the offensive explosion.
Despite the Eagles efforts, they couldn't match the Raiders' offensive firepower. Thomas and Johnson provided some offense for Polk State, each collecting two hits, while Thomas, Kenealy, and Wainman each drove in a run. However, the Eagles could only muster two extra base hits in the game, as their other seven hits all came as singles. They also drew no walks in the game.
The Raiders' victory marks their 11th win in the last 15 games, securing a crucial win in game one of the best-of-three series against Polk State. A win tomorrow would secure their automatic advancement to the championship rounds of the FCSAA Region VIII Tournament in Tampa. However, if the Eagles manage to claim victory in game two, the series will culminate in a decisive game three on Sunday at 1:00 PM.
Game two is set commence at 1:00 PM tomorrow at the NWF Baseball Complex. In this matchup, the Raiders will switch sides on the scorecard, taking on the role of the "visiting team," while the Eagles will be designated as the "home team."