Raiders Earn Two Victories Saturday Riding Explosive Offense and Dominant Pitching

GAME ONE

Raiders Dominate Northwest Shoals with a 9-1 Victory

Northwest Florida State cruised to a commanding 9-1 win over Northwest Shoals on Friday.

The Patriots struck first in the opening inning when M. Hyche grounded out to bring in a run. However, the Raiders responded immediately in the bottom half, as Karson McGowan launched a three-run homer to center field, giving Northwest Florida State a 3-1 lead.

A double play in the second inning extended the Raiders' lead to 4-1. The momentum continued in the third, with AJ Vineski doubling to drive in two runs, followed by a Haley Hughes RBI single to further stretch the lead.

Cailyn Heyl delivered a stellar performance on the mound, securing the win after allowing just four hits and one unearned run across six innings. She also tallied three strikeouts and issued just one walk. Hyche started for Northwest Shoals, surrendering seven runs (six earned) on three hits over two innings while striking out one and walking five.

McGowan and Vineski proved to be a dynamic duo at the plate, each collecting two hits and driving in three runs. The Raiders demonstrated patience at the plate, drawing seven walks, with Bre Hughes and Hailey Henry leading the way with two each. Aggressive baserunning also played a role, as Northwest Florida State swiped five stolen bases.

For Northwest Shoals, Hyche led the team with an RBI, while A. Teague, M. Bradyn, B. Leopard, and J. Branscome each contributed a hit. The Patriots also turned a double play in the game.

GAME TWO

Mallory Baker Throws No-Hitter as Raiders Cruise Past Blinn Bucs

A dominant third inning and Mallory Baker's no-hitter propelled Northwest Florida State to a decisive 12-0 victory over Blinn Bucs on Friday.

The Raiders exploded for nine runs in the third inning. Lulu Luedtke smashed a three-run homer to center, Falyn Beebe tripled to drive in two, Sister Arnold added an RBI groundout, Karson McGowan doubled to score another, and Baker capped off the rally with a two-run homer.

Northwest Florida State got on the board earlier in the second inning when Anastasia Acree launched a two-run shot to left field.

Baker was dominant in the circle, pitching a five-inning no-hitter while striking out four and walking none. Paige Bunting took the loss for Blinn Bucs, allowing seven hits and seven runs (six earned) over two innings, striking out two and walking one.

The Raiders racked up 15 hits in the game. Haley Hughes led the offense, going a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate. Luedtke and Acree each drove in three runs, while McGowan, Anna Grace Griggs, and Arnold all recorded multiple hits. Hughes also swiped two bases, contributing to the team's three stolen bases on the day.

Northwest Florida State capped off the dominant performance with solid defense, turning a double play to keep the Bucs off the scoreboard.

UP NEXT
The Raiders return to the diamond tomorrow for a doubleheader, kicking off with a 10:00 a.m. matchup against Blinn. Blinn and Northwest Shoals will face off at 1:30 p.m., followed by the Raiders taking on the Patriots again at 3:00 p.m.