Raiders Seal Opening Game Win with Walk-Off Against FSW on Friday

TAMPA, Fla. — Northwest Florida State clinched Friday's game over Florida Southwestern in a thrilling manner, securing an 8-7 walk-off victory over the Buccaneers in their opening game in Tampa, Fla.

Heading into the ninth inning trailing by one run (7-6) after relinquishing a three-run lead in the top of the eighth, the Raiders faced a tense situation. Qrey Lott led off the inning and was hit by a pitch, reaching base. Kendrey Maduro and Preston Murphy followed suit, also getting hit by pitches, loading the bases with just one out. 

Tyler Lejeune then delivered a powerful hit back up the middle, striking the pitcher's leg but still managing to reach base and drive in the tying run. With the game on the line, Chase Williams stepped up to the plate, aiming to secure the victory with a well-placed hit or a deep fly ball. He succeeded by flying out to left field, allowing the game-winning run to score and sealing the victory for the Raiders.

Both teams displayed potent offenses, with the Raiders amassing 14 hits and the Bucs tallying 12 in this high-scoring contest.

Florida Southwestern struck first in the second inning when Cooper Clapp's single brought in two runs. However, Northwest Florida State swiftly equalized in the bottom of the second, courtesy of Cade Sadler's solo home run to left field and Preston Murphy's ground out.

The seesaw battle continued as Florida Southwestern reclaimed the lead in the third inning, with Justin Thomas's solo home run to left field making it 3-2. In the fifth inning, Northwest Florida's leveled the score at three runs each thanks to a wild pitch.

A sacrifice fly by Murphy in the sixth inning nudged the Raiders ahead 4-3. The Bucs countered in the eighth inning, surging ahead 7-6 with timely singles by Salvador Alvarez and Luca Danos.

Yet, Northwest Florida State staged a dramatic comeback in the bottom of the ninth. Tyler Lejeune's single and Williams's sacrifice fly propelled them to an 8-7 lead and sealed the victory.

Brock Tapper clinched the win for the Raiders, conceding one run on three hits over one and one-third innings. Gonsalves suffered the loss for Florida Southwestern, allowing two runs on two hits over one and two-thirds innings. Sam Strek started on the mound for the Raiders, giving up three runs (two earned) on six hits over five innings. Burch started for Florida Southwestern, yielding four runs on 10 hits over six innings.

Murphy shined at the plate for Northwest Florida, driving in three runs from the eighth spot in the lineup. Colby Jones and Tapper led the team with three hits each, while Lejeune and Cayden Gaskin contributed multiple hits. The team executed three stolen bases and turned two double plays.

For Florida Southwestern, leadoff hitter Thomas led with three hits, while Alvarez and Danos each recorded two RBIs. Jared Davis and Clapp collected multiple hits for Florida Southwestern. 

Securing this victory propels the Raiders into the next round of the winners' bracket, setting up a clash against a familiar foe, Chipola, tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m. (CDT). This marks the seventh encounter between the Raiders and the Indians this season, with both teams splitting the regular season series at three wins apiece. The victor of tomorrow's matchup will progress to Sunday's Championship game, while the loser will face off against the winner of the 1:00 p.m. game between Florida Southwestern and Indian River.