Raiders Take Two-Game Set Against San-Jac on Saturday

GAME ONE

Northwest Florida State secured a hard-fought 7-5 win over San Jacinto College on Saturday at home.

The Raiders jumped ahead in the second inning, capitalizing on a fielder's choice from Sylas Boris that allowed two runs to score, followed by a clutch RBI double from Qrey Lott.

San Jacinto responded in the third, tying the game at three with a pair of singles, including an RBI knock from McCabe Moyer.

Northwest Florida quickly reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the third, thanks to a three-run blast to center field by David Alvarez, putting the Raiders up 6-3.

San Jacinto attempted to rally, with Landon Bruce launching a solo home run to left in the seventh, but the Raiders held strong to seal the win.

On the mound, Alex Walsh got the start for Northwest Florida, tossing 4.2 innings while allowing seven hits and four runs (three earned), striking out four and walking two. Cooper Powell came on in relief. San Jacinto's Hogan Shelby took the loss, surrendering four hits and seven runs over 3.1 innings, with three strikeouts and four walks.

Offensively, Alvarez led the way with three RBIs, finishing 1-for-3. Lott and Hutson Guinn each tallied two hits, while Lott showcased his speed with two stolen bases. The Raiders were aggressive on the base paths, swiping three bags in total. Defensively, they turned a key double play.

For the Ravens, Moyer led the charge with two RBIs and a 2-for-4 performance, also stealing two bases. San Jacinto's defense was stellar, turning four double plays and remaining error-free, with Bruce leading the team with eight chances in the field.

GAME TWO

In a tightly contested matchup, Northwest Florida State edged past San Jacinto College 3-2 in a battle of strong pitching performances on Saturday.

The Raiders got on the board early as Henry Allen launched a solo home run to center field in the first inning.

San Jacinto answered in the second when Kalym Espaillat brought home a run with a sacrifice fly, tying the game at one.

Northwest Florida regained the lead in the third after Sam Bradley delivered an RBI double, making it 2-1.

The Ravens pulled even again in the fifth, scoring on a passed ball, but the Raiders ultimately held on for the win.

On the mound, Sam Schmidt started for the Raiders, allowing two hits and two runs (one earned) over four innings while striking out one and walking four. Bryon Rincones was excellent in relief, tossing three shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out two and walking one. San Jacinto's Sully Brackin took the loss, giving up four hits and two runs over three innings.

At the plate, Allen and Bradley each drove in a run for the Raiders, with Matthew Farner leading the team in hits, going 2-for-3. The Raiders remained aggressive on the bases, stealing three bags, and played error-free defense, with Guinn recording a team-high nine chances.

For San Jacinto, Espaillat, Matthew Tellez, and Zach Grigalis each had a hit. Espaillat, who went 1-for-1, accounted for the team's lone RBI. The Ravens played clean defense with no errors and turned two double plays, with Grigalis leading the team with 11 defensive chances.

UP NEXT
The Raiders return home this Tuesday for a single game against John Melvin University at 1:00 p.m. before hitting the road for a three-game series against Meridian on Friday and Saturday. These will be their final non-conference matchups before opening Panhandle play on March 7 against Gulf Coast.