Commodores hold off Chipola, wins 8-7 to claim back-to-back Conference Titles

PANAMA CITY, FL-The Gulf Coast Commodores earned an 8-7 win over Chipola on Thursday, finishing the job and securing back-to-back Panhandle Conference championships.

Gulf Coast collected 10 hits in the win and came through with big plays late to hold off a strong Chipola rally.  Chipola got off to a quick start, scoring two runs in the first inning to take an early lead. The Commodores answered in the second, taking a 4-2 lead after an RBI single from Lucas Badalato and a three-run double by Anthony Saleeba.  They added to their lead in the third inning when Davis Avera and Carson Zagryn each hit solo home runs to make it 6-2.

Chipola responded in the fourth inning, scoring five runs to take a 7-6 lead. Gulf Coast State stayed calm and answered right away after Bray Touchstone tied the game at 7-7 with an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth.  The game remained tied until the seventh inning. With one swing, Badalato delivered again, hitting a solo home run to left field to give Gulf Coast the 8-7 lead.

On the mound, Kasten Goebbert earned the win in relief. He pitched three strong innings, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out seven. Pierce Juhan closed the game and picked up the save, striking out five over the final two innings.

At the plate, Badalato led the way with two hits and two RBIs. Saleeba drove in a team-high three runs, while Zagryn, Andrew Johnson, and Badalato each recorded two hits.  The Commodores were also solid on defense, finishing the game without committing an error.

With the victory, Gulf Coast not only won the game but also claimed its second straight Panhandle Conference championship, continuing a strong run for the program.

The Commodores will finish their regular season on the road in Marianna, FL on Saturday, April 25th in a doubleheader vs. Chipola College.