Baseball Game Preview: Navarre Raiders vs. Gulf Breeze Dolphins

The Navarre Raiders will face off against the Gulf Breeze Dolphins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this contest.

The home team had won the previous five meetings between Navarre and Fort Walton Beach, and Fort Walton Beach kept the tradition alive. Navarre took a 9-5 hit to the loss column at the hands of Fort Walton Beach on Tuesday. The Raiders have struggled against the Vikings recently, as the game was their third consecutive lost meetings.

Jacob McDonald

Runs

03/11/25 @ Fort Walton Beach	2
03/05/25 vs West Florida	2
02/10/25 vs Pine Forest	2
03/06/25 @ Escambia	1
02/25/25 @ Gulf Breeze	1
+ 1 more games

Jacob McDonald made the most of his time at bat despite the final result and scored two runs and stole a base while going 2-for-4. He is becoming a predictor of Navarre's success: when he posts at least two runs the team is 2-1 (and 2-9 when he doesn't). Michael Jackson was another key player, going 2-for-4 with two RBI.

Meanwhile, Gulf Breeze came up short against Baker on Friday and fell 7-2.

Gulf Breeze saw five different players step up and record at least one hit. One of them was Jake Hooten, who scored two runs and stole Two bases. while going 1-for-3. That's the most stolen bases Hooten has posted since back in April of 2024. Another was Presley Moseley, who got on base in three of his four plate appearances with one double.

Gulf Breeze's loss dropped their record down to 6-3. As for Navarre, their defeat dropped their record down to 4-10.

Navarre's speedy runners might be the difference in Friday's game. Navarre has been swiping bases left and right this season, having averaged 3.9 stolen bases per game. It's a different story for Gulf Breeze, though, as they've been averaging only 0.6 stolen bases. Will they be able to secure the bases, or will Navarre continue to outrun the ball?

Navarre suffered a grim 11-5 defeat to Gulf Breeze in their previous meeting back in February. Will Navarre have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the match for a full breakdown of the game, commentary, and other baseball content.