Raiders Hold Off Walters State 9-6, Heading to Winner's Bracket Semi-Finals

OXFORD, AL. - Northwest Florida battled for another win in the NJCAA Tournament as they fought past an early 3-0 deficit to pull away with a 9-6 victory over #4 seed Walters State.

Walters State struck early as the Senators hit a 3 RBI double into right field to take a 3-0 lead in the first inning. The Raiders answered back with 3 runs of their own in the top of the 3rd inning with a sac fly from Maycie Hardy to bring in Brilee Broussard, a ground out from Layla Thompson to bring in Sydney Stewart, and Riley Gibson drew a bases loaded walk to bring in Gyvan Hammons.

However, the Senators answered with a double in the same inning to regain a 4-3 lead. In the top of the 4th, Brilee Broussard led the inning off with a bunt single, followed by a Sydney Stewart double to put runners on second and third. Gyvan Hammons smoked a triple into right center field to give the Raiders a 5-4 lead and Layla Thompson hammered a 2-run home run to put Northwest Florida up 7-4. Riley Gibson gave the Raiders 2 more insurance runs as she hit a 2-run homer to take a 9-5 lead.

In the 7th inning, the Senators did not go down quietly after a lead off strikeout was followed by 3 consecutive singles. Julia Petty struck out the next batter to give the Raiders two outs and a pinch hit single into right field put the Senators down 9-6 with bases loaded and the top of their lineup coming up to bat. A slow ground ball to Layla Thompson allowed a fielder's choice at 3rd base to end the game and send the Raiders to the Winner's Bracket Semi-Final game. 

Brilee Broussard led the Raiders with 3 hits, scoring 2 runs. Gyvan Hammons went 2-2 with 2 RBIs and also drew 3 walks. Layla Thomson and Riley Gibson each collected 3 RBIs on the night and Sydney Stewart went 2-4, drawing a walk as well. Overall, the Raider offense drew 10 walks against one of the better pitching staffs in the NJCAA.

Julia Petty stepped up in relief in the first inning and collected the final 19 outs, striking out 6 batters. Petty allowed 2 earned runs and threw 65% strikes tonight. 

Northwest Florida will be taking on #1 seed Odessa tomorrow, May 25th at 10:00 AM.