There is really not a whole lot to cover for these two games. Just like the Villanova series, Florida State (12-0) was the more dominant team and it showed on the field. FSU remains undefeated sweeping Presbyterian College (8-6) in two games.
What to Take Away from the Series:
Yet again Luke Weaver showed his ability and why he is still in contention for a weekend start. Although Mike Martin has not hinted towards Weaver taking over on Sundays in place of Miller, it seems as if that will most likely be the case if Miller starts to crack. The bad news for Weaver is that Miller has been just as solid, sometimes better than Weaver this season. Still, whether Weaver makes it in the weekend rotation or not, there is no reason to doubt the ability of the righty and it’s always nice to have a good long reliever in the pen when needed.
Importance of the Series:
This series was only important in the fact that no one got injured and it was a great way to get guys innings needed before opening conference play. Since there were no midweek games last week, a few players got skipped over and did not get enough work in. These two games, especially Wednesday’s, was a fantastic way to keep players loose.
Here is how each individual game broke down
Game 1
FSU 9 Presbyterian 2
Luke Weaver’s second start of the year did not disappoint. The righty looked phenomenal, only giving up three hits, all singles. Weaver struck five of his first six batters with a soft groundout to short. He would finish with eight whiffs and no walks throwing six innings.
Offensively, the Seminoles had slight surprises. RS Junior Stephen McGee brought in a career-high 4 RBI, two of which came off his first career home run which hit off the scoreboard in left. McGee also had a double for his other two RBIs.
Marcus Davis, although not his early season standards, also had a nice day with two RBI and two runs scored off one hit in three at-bats.
MVP of the Game:
Stephen McGee – As deserving as Luke Weaver, is I would feel guilty not giving it to McGee. The RS Junior set a new career-high with 4 RBI. Considering he is a workhorse behind the plate catching every game this year and last, McGee is not much of a typical catcher. He is not a power hitter. His two run shot to left marked McGee’s first homer as a Nole.
McGee G1 (via Ryan Syrkus)
Things to Work On:
There is nothing really eye popping that came out of this game. The pitching staff struck out eight and only walked one. The offense drove in nine runs, all of which before the 7th inning. I’d like to see Weaver go longer than six innings, but I’d also like to see him in the weekend rotation. Overall, this game became what everyone thought was going to happen. FSU wins big over an unmatched team.
Quote of the Game:
Mike Martin on the amount of strikeouts in recent days: "It’s fun to know that we’re striking people out, nobody has to play with a ball. You mix in fly balls and of course, anybody can catch a fly ball. When you see a zero upon the scoreboard, the guy that doesn’t get enough credit is the pitcher. He’s the one who is striking people out or getting weak groundballs to make it easy for himself. Luke Weaver pitched one of his better games today."
Martin G1 (via Ryan Syrkus)
Game 2
FSU 10 Presbyterian 4
In a game used mostly to have guys get some innings in, the Blue Hose showed some life and almost threatened FSU late. The Seminoles got behind early, trailing 1-0 going into the bottom of the second…then they looked at the scoreboard and exploded for seven runs in the bottom half.
Anchored by the performance from Josh Delph, FSU managed to bring across nine in the second and third inning to make it 9-2 before the fourth. Overall, the sophomore was nearly perfect at the plate going 4-5 with three RBI and three runs scored. Like Stephen McGee in the first game, Delph also hit his first career home run. Inching over the right field fence, Delph’s round tripper was good for two RBI.
DJ Stewart was back in action in this game after missing about a week due to a right wrist injury. Stewart went 2-5 with an RBI and scored a run. After the game he said he felt no pain in the wrist and everything was perfectly fine.
The Seminole pitching staff had a ton of changes going on just trying to have them get live action. Presbyterian would briefly so signs of a fight in the 5th when they scored two unearned runs off Brandon Johnson and left a man on base, bringing the score to 9-4. The threat didn’t last long as Bryant Holtmann, Robby Coles, and Jameis Winston came in for the last four innings only giving up a hit while walking none to finish off Presbyterian.
MVP of the Game:
Josh Delph – This was an easy choice as the sophomore went 4-5 with 3 RBI and scored 3 runs. Hitting your first career home run also helps. Delph is now hitting .314 through 12 games and has nine RBI on the year.
Delph G2 (via Ryan Syrkus)
Things to Work On:
Just like last game, not a whole lot stands out. It would have been nice to see Billy Strode last longer just to see how he could deal with adversity (he gave up two hits and hit a batter in the second inning before being pulled out of the game). Brandon Johnson didn’t have his best outing, but that was due in part to Jose Brizuela’s sixth error of the year which extended the inning.
Quote of the Game:
Josh Delph on his first career home run: "I didn't think it was gone. I've hit the top of the screen so many times I thought it was going to happen again. When I got it in the air and I heard everyone in the dugout going crazy, I thought there was a chance and then the wind got it so that definitely helped"
Martin G2 (via Ryan Syrkus)
Looking Ahead:
Mike Martin spoke briefly about Justin Gonzalez after the game two win over Presbyterian saying there were no new updates, but more is expected by next week. Martin did not sound optimistic about Gonzalez being back in the lineup for this upcoming weekend and it is looking doubtful Gonzalez will be able to play in Gainesville next week.
Florida State will open their ACC schedule with a visit from Boston College on Friday. The Eagles have struggled mightily early in the season and are not projected to get much better. Entering with an ACC worst 3-8 record, Boston College is not expected to be too much competition for FSU. Their biggest win was 10-4 against South Florida while they hold loses to Georgia State, Marist, and Ohio amongst others. The Eagles did upset FSU 17-6 last season.
Florida State is 18-4 all-time against Boston College and 6-2 against the Eagles in Tallahassee. The first game of the series is set for Friday at 6 p.m.