Raiders Take Two from Meridian in Saturday Doubleheader To Close Out Non-Conference Play

Game One: Raiders Edge Meridian 4-3 Behind Lott's Big Day

Qrey Lott delivered a standout performance at the plate, collecting three hits in four at-bats as the Northwest Florida State Raiders secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Meridian on Saturday in Mississippi. Lott showcased his power early, launching a solo home run to right field in the first inning, then adding singles in the third and fifth innings to help propel the Raiders' offense.

The Raiders struck first when Lott's solo shot put them ahead 1-0. They extended their lead in the third inning as David Alvarez battled through a six-pitch at-bat before ripping an RBI single down the right field line, making it a 2-0 ballgame. Later in the fifth, Lott reached base via hit and scored from third on a passed ball, extending the Raider lead to 3-0. Aususto Mungarietta scored the Raiders fourth run with a sac-fly in the seventh, giving the Raiders some extra insurance.

The Eagles battled back with runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings, while getting the tying and go-ahead runs to the plate in the final frame. However, Meridian failed to capitalize, lining into a game-ending double play to seal the Raiders 4-3 victory.

On the mound, Alex Walsh got the start for Northwest Florida and turned in a solid outing. The right-hander tossed 5.2 innings, allowing seven hits and two runs while striking out five and walking one. Bryon Rincones came on in relief to help close out the game.

Lott and Alvarez were the driving forces for the Raiders' offense, each collecting three hits in the contest. Defensively, Northwest Florida was sharp, turning four double plays to stifle Meridian's scoring opportunities.

For Meridian, Bartling, Wright, and Troodessett each drove in one run, while Fox led the team with two hits in three at-bats. Despite their efforts, the Eagles couldn't string together enough offense to overcome the Raiders' early lead.

Game Two: Raiders' Explosive Bats Power 16-6 Win Over Meridian

In the second game of the doubleheader, Northwest Florida State's offense erupted, cruising to a commanding 16-6 victory over Meridian. The Raiders wasted no time jumping on the scoreboard, plating six runs in the top of the first inning to take control early.

Henry Allen set the tone with a two-run home run to center field, followed by RBI singles from Hutson Guinn, Matthew Farner, and Matthew Keller. Tristan Bittle added a sacrifice fly, and Qrey Lott capped off the big inning with another run-scoring single to give the Raiders an early cushion.

Meridian made a push in the fourth inning, scoring five runs on four hits. Martin singled to drive in two runs, while Williams delivered a three-run homer to right field, cutting the deficit and keeping the Eagles in the game.

However, the Raiders quickly responded in the seventh inning, tacking on five more runs. Sam Bradley came through with a two-run single, and Augusto Mungarietta crushed a three-run homer to left field, putting the game well out of reach.

On the mound, Joey Wittig pitched 3.1 innings in relief for Northwest Florida, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out three and issuing no walks. Sam Schmidt started the game, working three innings while allowing one hit and four runs (three earned) with four strikeouts and four walks.

The Raiders' offense was relentless, racking up 14 hits in the game. Mungarietta provided a spark in the middle of the lineup, going 2-for-4 with a team-high four RBIs. Bradley had a strong performance, finishing 3-for-4 at the plate, while Allen and Keller also contributed multiple hits. The Raiders showcased their aggressiveness on the basepaths, stealing three bases in the game.

For Meridian, Williams, Martin, Busbea, Wright, and Mallett each recorded a hit, with Williams and Martin driving in three runs apiece. The Eagles showed patience at the plate, drawing seven walks, with Fox leading the way with three.

UP NEXT

The series victory over Meridian marks the conclusion of non-conference play for the Raiders, who now enter conference action with an 18-5 record. The team will have the week off before returning to the field on Friday to host No. 16 Gulf Coast for a single game at 2:00 p.m. Following that, the Raiders will travel to Panama City on Saturday to face the Commodores in a nine-inning matchup starting at 1:00 p.m.