Six Run Eighth Inning Powers NWF Past Chipola, Advancing Them To Another Region VIII Championship Game
TAMPA, Fla. — Northwest Florida State baseball secured an 11-6 victory over Chipola College in a thrilling contest that saw momentum swing back and forth until the Raiders took control with a decisive six-run eighth inning, propelling them into another Region VIII Championship game.
The pivotal eighth inning was marked by Chase Williams' clutch two-RBI double with the bases loaded, igniting a flurry of scoring. An error by the Indians' shortstop allowed two more runs to score, extending the Raiders' lead to three runs.
Before the explosive eighth inning, the game remained tightly contested, with neither team able to establish a comfortable lead. Chipola struck first in the second inning when Ortiz's single brought in two runs. Northwest Florida responded with a solo home run to left field by Cade Sadler in the bottom of the second, cutting their deficit to one run.
In the third inning, Colby Jones's single propelled the Raiders into the lead at 3-2 following an RBI single to left field. The Indians regained the lead, 4-3, in the fourth inning after Buchan walked and Ortiz hit a sacrifice fly, each driving in a run.
Chipola further extended their lead in the sixth with a solo home run to right field by Buchan, taking a 5-3 advantage. In the bottom the seventh, Jaquae Stewart helped the Raiders tie the game at five after hitting an RBI single to right field, driving in two runs.
The Indians retook the lead again in the eighth inning as Ortiz's single brought in a run, making it 6-5 in favor of Chipola. However, Northwest Florida turned the game around in the bottom of the eighth, scoring six runs on five hits to take an 11-6 lead.
The pivotal moment of the inning came with Williams's double, initially scoring two runs. However, following a Chipola error, two additional runs crossed the plate, extending the lead to 9-6 for the Raiders. Adding to their advantage, Stewart's double to the left-center gap brought in another pair of runs. With Alex Walsh retiring the side in the ninth, Northwest Florida sealed the 11-6 victory, securing their spot in their second consecutive Region VIII Championship game.
Walsh earned the win for Northwest Florida State, allowing two hits and two runs over six innings, with one strikeout and two walks. Barrero took the loss for Chipola, giving up seven runs (five earned) on eight hits over four and one-third innings, with two strikeouts and three walks.
The Raiders amassed 16 hits in the game, with Stewart leading the charge with four RBIs. Williams, Jones, Tyler Lejeune, Qrey Lott, and Kendrey Maduro each contributed multiple hits, adding to the Raiders hitting prowess. Jones also stole two bases, while the team totaled four stolen bases.
The Raiders are set to return to the field tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. for the FCSAA/Region VIII Championship game, awaiting the outcome of the Chipola versus Indian River matchup scheduled at 1:00 p.m. A victory for the Raiders would mark their first Region VIII Championship since 2015. However, in the event of a loss, they will have another opportunity to claim the title on Monday at 11:00 a.m. and secure a spot in the NJCAA Baseball World Series.