Raiders rally to defeat Downtown Doral

The Ransom Everglades Varsity Raiders continued their strong start to the season on Thursday, improving to 7–2 with a 9–4 comeback victory over Downtown Doral at Doral Meadow Park. After falling behind early, the Raiders responded with timely power hitting and a strong pitching effort, led by senior Juan Velazco ’26, who delivered a standout performance at the plate and on the mound. Downtown Doral struck first in the bottom of the first inning with a 4 run frame. The Raiders answered immediately in the top of the second. With the bases loaded, Velazco crushed a grand slam of his own, tying the game at 4–4 and shifting the momentum back to the Raiders. The Raiders took control in the following inning. Junior Tyler Grossfeld ’27 connected on a two-run home run to left field in the third, giving Ransom Everglades its first lead of the game at 6–4. Velazco added more insurance in the sixth inning when he launched his second home run of the day to center field on a 3–0 count, helping extend the Raiders’ lead as they pulled away for the win. Velazco finished the game with two home runs and six RBIs, powering the Raiders’ offense while also contributing on the mound. Entering in relief, he threw three scoreless innings, allowing no hits while striking out six. Sophomore Jorge Gross ’28 earned the win for the Raiders, pitching four innings while allowing two hits and four runs (three earned) and striking out five. With the win, the Raiders move to 7–2 on the season and will look to carry the momentum into their next matchup on Monday against Palmer Trinity School.