Keller’s Walk-Off Single Lifts Raiders to Thrilling Victory Over Wabash Valley

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Northwest Florida State baseball secured a thrilling walk-off victory on Sunday in Panama City Beach, edging out Wabash Valley 8-7. With the game tied at seven in the bottom of the seventh, Matthew Keller delivered the game-winning single to seal the win for the Raiders.

Both teams put on an offensive showcase, with Northwest Florida State collecting 13 hits while Wabash Valley tallied eight.

Wabash Valley struck first in the opening inning, scoring three runs off an RBI single from Krew Bond, a groundout by AJ Malzone, and a base hit from Max Palinski down the left field line. The Raiders responded in the bottom of the first, tying the game at three behind a pair of singles, including an RBI knock from Sam Bradley.

In the third, Wabash Valley regained the lead on a wild pitch, going up 4-3. However, the Raiders answered in the bottom half, reclaiming the lead after Qrey Lott's RBI single, a double from Sylas Boris, and another RBI hit by Matthew Farner.

Wabash Valley wouldn't go down easily, tying the game again in the seventh after a Connor Christenson double and Malzone's RBI single. But the Raiders had the final say, with Keller's clutch hit walking it off, giving the Raiders their fourth win of the season.

Pitching highlights

Brady Robertson got the start for Northwest Florida, allowing four runs on three hits over three innings, striking out four and walking three. Sam Strek and Eli Jones provided relief. Jones tossed 3.0 innings giving up three his and two earned runs, strikeout out six. Strek tossed just one inning, giving up a run and striking out a batter. Wabash Valley's Stone Silver went three innings, surrendering nine hits and six runs while striking out one and walking two.

Offensive Leaders

At the plate, Henry Allen led the way for the Raiders, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three RBIs. Boris, Farner, and Augusto Mungarietta also recorded multi-hit games. Boris recorded one RBI along with Sam Bradley, Qrey Lott, Matt Farner, and Mathew Keller.

Up Next

The Raiders will have a quick turnaround as they prepare to host Lurleen B. Wallace Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. in Niceville. This will be the first of five game the Raiders will play at home. Friday and Saturday, the Raiders will see Miami Dade and Motlow State come to town for a four-game round robin with double headers on both days.