Northwest Florida State Sweeps Pensacola State in Midweek Matchup

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Northwest Florida State dominated Wednesday's doubleheader against Pensacola State, securing an 8-3 win in game one before cruising to a 10-1 victory in game two. The Raiders winning ways continue as they have now won 24 games in a row, putting them at 40-2 on the season, and are 6-0 to begin conference play.

GAME ONE: Raiders Power Past Pirates, 8-3

A strong offensive push in the middle innings propelled Northwest Florida State to an 8-3 victory over Pensacola State.

The Pirates struck first in the opening frame as Gabbie York doubled down the left-field line to drive in a run, putting Pensacola up early.

The Raiders responded in the fifth inning with a four-run outburst to take a 4-2 lead. Bre Hughes roped a double to center, bringing in a run before Karson McGowan launched a two-run homer to left.

Northwest Florida State extended its lead in the sixth when Hailey Henry crushed a two-run home run to center. York answered for the Pirates with a solo shot in the bottom half, but the Raiders weren't done yet. In the seventh, Lulu Luedtke delivered the final blow with a two-run homer of her own to put the game out of reach.

Cailyn Heyl was dominant in the circle, going the distance for the Raiders. The right-hander allowed just five hits and three runs over seven innings while striking out six and walking one. Pensacola State's Yala Zwakman took the loss despite not allowing an earned run, giving up four hits and four unearned runs over 4.2 innings.

Henry led the offensive attack for Northwest Florida State, going 2-for-3. Hughes, McGowan, Luedtke, and Henry each drove in two runs. York was a bright spot for the Pirates, finishing 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

GAME TWO: Raiders Cruise to 10-1 Win Behind Arnold's Big Night

Northwest Florida State carried its momentum into game two, rolling to a 10-1 win behind a three-hit performance from Sister Arnold.

The Pirates once again struck first, taking a 1-0 lead in the opening inning when Katie Morgan doubled to drive in a run.

However, the Raiders quickly responded in the second, taking advantage of a Pensacola error that allowed two runs to score.

Northwest Florida State continued to pile on in the third, as Hayden Andrews lined an RBI single to center, Sara Watson was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, and Haley Hughes followed with an RBI single down the left-field line to make it 5-1.

In the fifth, the Raiders put the game out of reach with back-to-back home runs. Bre Hughes blasted a two-run shot before Sister Arnold capped her impressive night with a solo homer to center.

Mallory Baker picked up the win in the circle, allowing just two hits and one run over five innings. The right-hander struck out eight but issued five walks. Pensacola's Kylie Jarman took the loss, giving up five runs (two earned) on five hits in 2.2 innings.

Northwest Florida State racked up 16 hits in the win. Falyn Beebe was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, while Henry, Arnold, and Andrews each recorded multiple hits. Hughes led the team with three RBIs and swiped two bases. The Raiders also turned a double play.

For Pensacola State, Morgan and Karri Pritchard were the only players to record hits, with Morgan driving in the Pirates' lone run. Pensacola State showed patience at the plate, drawing five walks, but was unable to capitalize.

UP NEXT

The Raiders now shift their focus to Saturday as they prepare to host a pair of doubleheaders against No. 23 Chipola, starting at 1:00 p.m. Following that, they will have a week off before returning to action next Saturday for another doubleheader against Tallahassee State, beginning at noon.