Bottom of the Lineup Lifts Raiders to Walk-Off Win Over No. 14 Gulf Coast

NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Northwest Florida State Raiders secured a thrilling 5-4 walk-off victory over No. 14 Gulf Coast State on Friday, thanks to key contributions from the bottom of the lineup. Matt Farner, Tristan Bittle, and Matthew Keller combined for four of the team's eight hits, scoring two runs in the process.

Gulf Coast struck first with a solo home run from Colton Wombles in the opening inning and extended their lead to 2-0 in the second on a groundout by Wombles.

The Raiders responded in the fourth, tying the game at 2-2 behind a David Alvarez RBI single and a fielder's choice from Hutson Guinn. However, Gulf Coast regained a 4-2 advantage in the sixth with an RBI single from Brody Langlotz and a run-scoring groundout by Carrington Aaron.

In the bottom of the eighth, Northwest Florida State capitalized on a balk and a clutch RBI single from Sam Bradley to even the score once again.

Gulf Coast appeared poised to reclaim the lead in the ninth after a leadoff triple and a walk put runners on the corners, but reliever Cooper Powell escaped the jam unscathed, setting up the dramatic finish.

Keller led off the bottom of the ninth with a single, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt and a groundout, then raced home on a wild pitch to seal the Raiders' walk-off win and a 1-0 start to Panhandle Conference play.

Alex Walsh started on the mound for Northwest Florida State, allowing four hits and four runs over five innings while striking out seven. Gulf Coast starter Cooper Whited gave up two runs (one earned) over six innings, striking out six. Bryon Rincones was dominant in relief for the Raiders, tossing 3.1 scoreless innings while allowing five hits and striking out two.

Bradley and Keller each recorded two hits for Northwest Florida State, while Guinn, Bradley, and Alvarez each drove in a run. The Raiders also turned a key double play in the seventh.

Gulf Coast tallied nine hits, with Drew Prosek leading the way, going 2-for-4. Langlotz and Wombles each chipped in an RBI.

Next Up

The Raiders will face the Commodores once more tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. in Panama City before continuing Panhandle Conference play next week with matchups against Chipola on Monday and Wednesday, followed by games against Pensacola on Friday and Saturday.