Six-Run Fifth Powers Raiders Past Commodores 7-4 on Tuesday

Niceville, Fla. — A dominant fifth inning propelled the No. 3-ranked Northwest Florida State Raiders to a 7-4 victory over No. 10 Gulf Coast on Tuesday.

Qrey Lott set the tone early, blasting a solo home run to left field in the first inning on the seventh pitch of his at-bat.

The Raiders broke the game open in the fifth, erupting for six runs on six hits. Sam Bradley and Augusto Mungarietta each delivered RBI singles, while David Alvarez and Hutson Guinn both doubled to bring in two runs apiece.

Gulf Coast responded with a four-run sixth inning, taking advantage of a pair of walks and a Raiders' defensive miscue to put runners in scoring position. However, reliever Bryon Rincones worked his way out of the jam to keep Northwest Florida State in control.

Cooper Powell got the start for the Raiders, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits across five and one-third innings. He struck out five and walked three. Gulf Coast starter Cooper Whited took the loss, surrendering seven runs on eight hits over four and one-third innings, with seven strikeouts and two walks.

Rincones was dominant out of the bullpen, tossing three and two-thirds scoreless innings. The right-hander allowed just one hit while striking out six and walking two.

The Raiders collected 11 hits in the win, with Mungarietta, Guinn, Matthew Keller, and Alvarez each recording two. Guinn and Alvarez led the offensive charge with two RBIs apiece.

For Gulf Coast, Drew Prosek led the way, going 2-for-3, while Jackson McKenzie finished 1-for-2 with two RBIs.

Northwest Florida State will look to complete the series sweep when they face Gulf Coast again on Thursday.

The Raiders return home Thursday at 5:00 p.m. to host the Commodores in game two of their four-game series. The matchup continues Saturday in Panama City with a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader for games three and four.

With first place in the Panhandle Conference standings likely on the line, this series holds major playoff implications. Tuesday's win gives the Raiders a crucial two-game lead over Gulf Coast, putting them in a strong position as the series progresses.