Raiders outscore Milton 6-3

Justin Jordan pitched four solid innings Friday and Devante Taylor had two hits, including a two-run homer, and scored two runs for Navarre High School's baseball Raiders in a 6-3 preseason home win against Milton.

An error and two batters hit by pitches helped the Panthers score twice in the first inning, but Jordan and the defense settled down and took control through the middle innings. Jordan allowed just one hit and issued a single base-on-balls while striking out four Panthers to earn the win.

Taylor blasted a two-run shot to left field in the bottom of the fourth to give the Raiders a 6-2 lead and cap Navarre's scoring. He also singled and eventually scored in the Raiders' three-run third inning. Taylor and Chris Wheeler reached on back-to-back singles and advanced when Kyle Camilli beat out a bunt single up the first-base line. Milton's infield misplayed the ball, allowing Taylor to score and Wheeler to reach third. After Jordan struck out, Cale Secondine's ground out scored Wheeler and moved Camilli to third. Jarrett Zimmerly singled in Camilli before Hardison fanned Gavin Wehbi to end the inning.

Navarre scored its first run when leadoff hitter Dusty Jones walked and moved around the bases on Terry's single, a passed ball and an error by shortstop Cody Lowe.

Cory Catyb and Derrick Lamar pitched for the Raiders. Lamar allowed the final Milton run on a walk, a single and a pair of wild pitches in the top of the seventh inning but retired the final three batters.

Charles Jimenez had two of the Panthers' three hits. Tyler Lee and C.J. Stell followed Hardison to the mound for Milton and held the Raiders scoreless in the final two innings.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Pensacola beat Catholic 10-5.

The Raiders' regular season starts Tuesday, Feb. 15, at Pensacola Washington. The junior varsity squads will play at 4:30 p.m., followed by the varsities at 7 p.m. Navarre plays at Gulf Breeze on Friday, Feb. 18 and hosts its regular-season home opener against Milton beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19. The Navarre High School Booster Club will sponsor a fish-fry to raise funds to support the team.