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Colby Jones and the Northwest Florida State Raiders used the thinner air and higher elevation to their offensive advantage in Grand Junction Colorado on their way to a commanding 13-4 win over Shelton State on Monday. The victory propels the Raiders further in the NJCAA Baseball tournament.
Jones’ standout performance featured two home runs and seven RBIs, underscoring his pivotal role in the Raiders’ success.
Jones’ offensive explosion began in the third inning with a grand slam, igniting a six-run surge that overturned Shelton State’s early 3-0 lead. He followed up with another three-run homer in the fourth inning, marking his third home run in Grand Junction and bringing his tournament total to 11 RBIs on just five hits.
The sophomore infielder’s remarkable form was on full display, adding to his 3-for-5, four RBI game from the previous night, where he also homered in the sixth inning. His 2-for-4 performance on Monday was instrumental in securing the Raiders’ victory.
Battle with the Cavs for a spot in the semis.
— NWF Baseball (@NWFRaiders_BSB) May 28, 2024
🆚 (1) Johnson County
⚾️ NJCAA Baseball World Series
📍 Grand Junction, CO
⏰ 3:00 PM (CDT)
🖥️ https://t.co/x8pnjEzaj7#GoRaiders #SoundTheSiren pic.twitter.com/XMPDpJL8Rf
On the mound, Alex Walsh delivered a solid outing for Northwest Florida State, allowing six hits and four runs (three earned) over seven innings. He struck out five and walked four, earning the win. In contrast, Shelton State’s Wilkins struggled, conceding five runs on three hits over two and two-thirds innings, with no strikeouts or walks, taking the loss.
Shelton State initially took the lead with back-to-back solo home runs in the first inning and added another run in the second to go up 3-0.
However, the Raiders responded emphatically in the bottom of the third, capitalizing on Jones’ grand slam and a two-run double by Brock Tapper to seize a 6-3 advantage.
Northwest Florida State extended their lead in the fourth inning, adding four more runs. An error brought in one run, and Jones’ three-run homer solidified the Raiders’ dominance, making it 10-3.
Despite a solo home run from Shelton State’s Dutton in the fifth inning, the Raiders continued their relentless scoring. They added three more runs over the fifth and sixth innings, securing a run-rule victory with a final score of 13-4.
The Raiders’ offense was formidable, tallying ten hits. Jones, Chase Williams, and Brock Tapper each collected two hits. For Shelton State, Helms went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and Dutton led with three hits in four at-bats.
With this win, Northwest Florida State advances in the tournament, marking their second consecutive elimination game victory. They are set to face the top-seeded Johnson County Cavaliers tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) for a spot in the semifinals.
The Cavaliers are coming off a 10-1 loss to Georgia Highlands, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
