Northwest Florida Edges Chipola in 3-1 Pitcher's Duel

MARIANNA, Fla. — In a tightly contested pitcher's duel, Northwest Florida State secured a 3-1 victory over No. 25 Chipola on Wednesday, propelled by an outstanding performance from Thomas Conrad on the mound. The right-hander delivered a commanding outing, recording 24 outs and limiting the Indians' offensive production to just one run.

The game remained scoreless through the first three innings, with both teams struggling to generate baserunners. Northwest Florida State broke the deadlock in the fourth, capitalizing on timely hitting. Ira Jefferies-Harris delivered a two-run single, followed by a productive groundout from Matthew Farner that plated an additional run.

Chipola responded in the sixth with an RBI double from Zaid Diaz, but the Raiders' pitching staff held firm, preventing any further scoring threats. Despite scattered baserunners in the later innings, neither team managed to break through as the pitching remained dominant.

Conrad was efficient and composed on the mound, allowing one run on five hits across eight innings while striking out four and issuing two walks. Bryon Rincones entered in relief for the final frame, conceding two hits but striking out two to secure the win.

Chipola starter Freddy Beruvides took the loss, yielding three runs on three hits over three and one-third innings, striking out two and walking one.

Offensively, Jefferies-Harris led the Raiders with a 1-for-4 performance and two RBIs. Henry Allen and Hutson Guinn also contributed with base hits, while Guinn anchored the defense with a team-high 11 putouts.

For the Indians, Diaz was a bright spot, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Cole Garner also notched two hits in the effort.

The win marks Northwest Florida State's second victory over Chipola this week and their third in conference play, further solidifying their standing as a formidable contender in the league.

Up next

The Raiders will be back this weekend for two more key matchups against Pensacola State. The first game will take place Friday at Pensacola starting at 2:00 p.m. followed by a home game the following day at 1:00 p.m.