Congratulations to the 2011 Florida State Seminoles Baseball team for making it to the ACC Tournament final and earning a shot to defend their conference title. The Noles took care of business on Saturday morning defeating an excellent Georgia Tech team 4-2. All Conference pitcher Buck Farmer had command issues early and the FSU offense took advantage of it scoring 3 runs on 3 hits and an error in the 3rd. An extra run in the 4th made it 4-0 and was enough for the Seminoles pitching staff. Mike McGee started the game and had one of his better starts of the season giving the Noles a good chance to win this ball game. Despite what you might read on other sites he did not pitch a gem and was not stellar, McGee had command issues from the start and Georgia Tech was uncharacteristically free swinging. I say this not to slight McGee or take anything away from the win but to inform fans that just because he allowed 0 runs doesn’t mean we have found a reliable weekend starter. Allowing 5 walks in 5+ innings will eventually hurt you and a relief pitcher who allows 5 of 10 batters faced to reach base will eventually hurt you. But the Noles did win this game and beat a very very good Clemson team two days earlier. With the 2 wins against top RPI teams Florida State should secure a coveted National seed moving into the postseason.
Florida State has another tough task today as they face an excellent Virginia team. Inside we preview the matchup.
ACC Tournament Finals - #1 Virginia Cavaliers vs. #2 Florida State Seminoles
Sunday, May 29th - 1 PM - Durham, NC
TV: Live on FOX Sports South, Comcast Mid-Atlantic, FOX Sports Florida (north), Sun Sport (south) NESN delayed to follow Red Sox
OFFENSE:
Offensively the Cavs are not the slugging power that Florida State is but they do a fantastic job of plating runners. Their plate discipline is also excellent which is why they lead the conference in run scoring. The Noles offense is again one of the best in the country and while they struggled in their opening game against State they have done a great job against two excellent staffs in Clemson and Tech.
PITCHING:
Facing the Noles is 2 time ACC Pitcher of the Year and soon to be top draft pick Danny Hultzen. He has been stellar all season and gives the Hoos an excellent chance of winning this ballgame. The Seminoles turn towards Hunter Scantling who as you can see has not been a reliable pitcher this season. The hope is that he can take advantage of a Virginia lineup that played late into last night.
On paper this game should go to the Cavaliers but you can never count out Florida State. Come back at 1PM for a live game thread.
Go Noles!