NWF Wins Series Against Polk State, Advances to Next Round of FCSAA Tournament
NICEVILLE, Fla. — Northwest Florida State baseball clinched a series triumph against Polk State on Saturday, completing a dominant three-game sweep over the Eagles to advance to the next phase of the FCSAA State/Region VIII Championships.
Following their commanding win in game one on Friday, where they triumphed 12-4 in eight innings, the Raiders' offense continued its relentless onslaught in game two. With another explosive performance, they secured a decisive 14-4 victory, once again enforcing the run-rule to conclude the game in eight innings. This impressive display marks the 11th time in their last 15 games that the Raiders' offense has scored ten runs or more, boasting an outstanding 11-1 record in such games. Remarkably, throughout the season, Northwest Florida has amassed a formidable 21-1 record in contests where they've reached the ten-run mark or beyond.
Cade Sadler showcased his offensive prowess with an outstanding performance, tallying five runs batted in on three hits. His impactful contributions featured a pivotal home run to left field in the eighth inning, driving in three runs, as well as a crucial single in the first inning that added one run to the scoreboard. Sadler's effectiveness continued throughout the weekend, concluding the series with a strong 5-for-10 performance at the plate, accumulating nine RBI and two home runs.
The Raiders wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Jaquae Stewart's groundout and Sadler's single in the top of the first inning each contributing to a run. The Eagles managed to even the score in the bottom of the fifth inning, courtesy of a home run to right field by Thomas and a single by Glading.
The momentum shifted back in Northwest Florida's favor in the top of the sixth when Tyler Lejeune's double brought in two runs, giving them a 6-4 lead. The Raiders further solidified their lead with an explosive six-run surge in the top of the eighth inning. Despite Long inducing Cayden Gaskin into a fielder's choice, one run scored, followed by Colby Jones's double bringing in two more runs. Sadler's solo blast to left field capped off the inning with three additional runs.
Brock Tapper emerged as the winning pitcher for the Raiders, delivering a standout performance by conceding zero runs on one hit over three and one-third relief innings, striking out five and issuing no walks. Meanwhile, Long took the loss for Polk State, enduring a challenging outing where they conceded 10 runs on seven hits over two and two-thirds innings.
Northwest Florida showcased their offensive prowess with a total of 12 hits in the game. Sadler and Jones were standout performers, each collecting three hits for the team, while Gaskin contributed two hits in four at-bats. Defensively, the Raiders remained solid, turning one double play and committing zero errors.
With this victory, the Raiders advance to the subsequent round of the FCSAA State/Region VIII Championships in Tampa, Fla. There, they will face the winner of the Fort Myers Regional, Florida Southwestern. The Raiders hold a 2-0 record against the Bucs this season, securing a 20-10 victory in the season opener on January 26 and a 6-3 win in their second encounter on February 2. The matchup between the Raiders and the Bucs is scheduled for Friday, May 10, at 4:00 PM (CDT) at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla.