Pirates Have Strong Opening Week in Panhandle Play

Pensacola State opened Panhandle Conference play with an impressive four-game stretch, taking two games from Tallahassee before splitting a pair with Gulf Coast State. The Pirates showcased dominant pitching, timely hitting, and resilience in close contests to begin conference action 3–1.

Game 1: Tallahassee 0 PSC 6
The Pirates set the tone immediately behind a masterful performance from Makaio Cisneros, who tossed a complete-game shutout. Cisneros was in command all afternoon, striking out nine while issuing just three walks to lead PSC to a 6–0 victory.

Offensively, the Pirates erupted for 14 hits, with four players recording multi-hit games. Taft Middleton led the charge, going 4-for-5 with a double, while Kaden Wilks drove in a team-high two runs. PSC's defense matched its offensive and pitching efforts, committing zero errors and turning a crucial double play to preserve the shutout.

Game 2: PSC 9 Tallahassee 5
Pensacola State completed the two-game sweep of Tallahassee with a 9–5 win, fueled by another strong pitching performance and a hot offense. Carson Small earned the win, throwing six solid innings and allowing four runs. Jackson Kohr closed the door in relief, pitching the final three innings for the save while striking out five.

The Pirates once again swung the bats well, collecting 12 hits and scoring nine runs. Lincoln Pack paced the offense with a standout day, going 4-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. Ethan Murray and Taft Middleton also contributed with 2-for-4 performances as PSC rolled to the conference sweep.

Game 3: Gulf Coast State 5 PSC 4
The Pirates suffered a tough loss in the opener against Gulf Coast State, falling 5–4 despite a strong effort on the mound. Cole Ingole delivered an impressive outing, throwing eight innings while striking out 10 and allowing five runs. Rilee Lowery followed with a scoreless ninth inning to keep PSC within striking distance.

Pensacola State had a golden opportunity in the bottom of the ninth, putting runners on first and second with one out, but was unable to bring the tying run home. Grant Walters provided a spark with a home run, while Ethan Murray went 3-for-4 with an RBI. Murray, Diaz, and Middleton each added doubles in the loss.

Game 4: PSC 8 Gulf Coast State 7 (10 innings)
The Pirates bounced back in dramatic fashion, earning an 8–7 extra-inning win Wednesday night in Panama City. PSC used four pitchers in a true team effort on the mound, with Jackson Kohr picking up the win. Kohr threw two innings of relief, striking out one and improving to 3–0 on the season.

Grant Walters had a huge night at the plate, going 2-for-5 with three RBIs, highlighted by a massive three-run home run. Glenn Brooks also contributed with two RBIs. In the top of the 10th inning, Ethan Murray stole third base and later scored on a wild pitch to give the Pirates the go-ahead run. Kohr returned to the mound in the bottom half and recorded three clutch outs to secure the victory.