Raiders Split Sunday Doubleheader in Sarasota: Fall to Miami Dade, Bounce Back Against SCF

SARASOTA, Fla. — Northwest Florida State baseball split its doubleheader today in Sarasota, dropping the first game to Miami Dade, 6-2, but bouncing back to edge out State College of Florida for the second consecutive day, 9-8.

The Raiders now hold a 2-1 record on the season and aim to build on this momentum next weekend at the PCB JUCO Classic Tournament in Panama City.

GAME ONE – vs. Miami Dade (L, 6-2)

The Raiders faced a tough battle in their matchup against Miami Dade, ultimately falling short despite several key moments throughout the game.

Miami Dade delivered a big inning in the top of the 4th, scoring four runs on a series of hits, including a clutch bases-clearing double by Zamora. The inning was capped off by an RBI single from Poviones, extending the Sharks' lead to 5-1.

The Raiders attempted to rally in the bottom of the 6th. David Alvarez kickstarted the offense with a line-drive double, and Henry Allen followed with a walk to load the bases. However, the Raiders couldn't capitalize, stranding the runners after a strikeout and a groundout ended the inning.

Miami Dade added an insurance run in the top of the 7th, courtesy of an RBI single from Mendez. This pushed the lead to 6-1 and proved to be too much for the Raiders to overcome.

The Raiders managed to score one more run in the bottom of the 7th after a balk by the Sharks pitcher allowed Angel Santiago to cross the plate. Ira Jefferies-Harris followed with a single to keep the rally alive, but the momentum was halted by a strikeout and a flyout to end the game.

Pitching Highlights

Thomas Conrad took the mound for the Northwest Florida State Raiders, delivering a solid performance. The right-hander pitched three innings, allowing just two hits and no runs while striking out three and walking one. On the opposing side, Jack Garvey started for the Miami Dade Sharks, giving up three hits and one unearned run over three innings, with two strikeouts and no walks.

Offensive Leaders

At the plate, Preston Murphy went 1-for-2 and led the team with an RBI. David Alvarez shined offensively with three hits in four at-bats, while Tristan Bittle contributed with two hits in four trips to the plate.

GAME TWO – vs. State College of Florida (W, 9-8)

In a game full of drama and momentum swings, the Northwest Florida State held off a furious late-inning rally from State College of Florida to secure a narrow 9-8 victory. The matchup featured clutch hitting, explosive innings, and high-pressure moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final out.

The Raiders got on the board early, thanks to a solo home run by D. Alvarez in the top of the second inning. Alvarez crushed a line drive to center field, setting the tone for what would be an offensive showcase for both teams.

However, the Manatees responded quickly in the bottom half of the inning. L. Boykin launched a towering two-run home run, scoring Vanecek and giving the Manatees their first lead of the game. O'Sullivan followed up with a timely RBI single to drive in Trivella, who had advanced to third on a wild pitch, making it 3-1 in favor SCF.

Trailing 3-1 in the fourth inning, the Raiders' bats came alive in dramatic fashion. It started with back-to-back doubles from Tristan Bittle and Augusto Mungarietta, tying the game at 3-3. Moments later, Hunter Guinn delivered the biggest blow of the inning, smashing a two-run home run to right field to give Northwest Florida a 6-3 lead.

The Raiders weren't done yet. A series of walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a wild pitch allowed them to plate three more runs, stretching their lead to 9-3. The inning showcased their relentless offensive firepower, as they batted around the lineup and put SCF on their heels.

Despite the six-run deficit, SCF refused to back down. In the fifth inning, Boykin brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, cutting the lead to 9-4.

The Manatees saved their best for last, rallying in the bottom of the seventh inning. Evans came through with a two-run double to left field, scoring Rawls and Trivella and narrowing the gap to 9-7. Kaitz added an RBI single, scoring Evans to make it a one-run game. With runners on base and the home crowd on their feet, the Manatees appeared poised to complete the comeback, but Northwest Florida's bullpen managed to escape the jam and preserve the win.

The Raiders' fourth-inning explosion proved to be the difference in a game where every run mattered. While SCF's late-inning heroics showcased their resilience, they ultimately fell just short.

Pitching Highlights

Anthony St. Vincent earned the win for the Raiders, tossing 2.0 innings of work, allowing just one earned run on one hit and struck out a pair of batters. Joe Wittig earned the save for the Raiders after coming in to record the final out, which he successfully did on two pitches.

Sam Schmidt was the Raiders starter. He pitched 2.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on four hits, three walks, recording three punchouts. Ryker Chavis also pitched for the Raiders in the game, pitching 2.1 innings of work.

Offensive leaders

David Alvarez spearheaded the offensive surge with three hits, including a home run and a triple. Tristan Bittle and Hunter Guinn contributed two RBIs each. Bittle's fourth inning double brought in two runs, while Guinn capped the inning with a powerful two-run homer. Other Raiders who contributed hits included Augusto Mungarietta, Ira Jefferies-Harris and Matt Farner.

Looking Ahead

Northwest Florida Baseball returns to action next weekend in Panama City for the Visit PCB JUCO Classic at the Publix Sports Complex. The Raiders will take on Pearl River on Friday at 1:00 p.m. and Alvin CC on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., before entering the bracket stage of the tournament later on Saturday and Sunday.