In a game hyped as a potential pitching duel between Florida State’s Scott Sitz and Savannah State’s Kyle McGowin, the Seminoles squandered any hope of a low scoring game early on as they cruise to a 10-0 shutout over the Tigers to open their NCAA Regional.
“It was a good win for us,” Florida State head coach Mike Martin said. “[There was] a lot of positive things from the offensive side. Of course, this is one game.”
Florida State (45-15) jumped all over Savannah State (33-22) in the first three innings, scoring all 10 runs off the SSU ace. Starting in the first with DJ Stewart drawing a walk, the Seminoles took advantage of the miscues from McGowin. Stewart would steal second and eventually make it home off Jose Brizuela’s double to right center. Brizuela, who went home early from the ACC Tournament due to a team violation, finished 3-5 on the day with that one RBI.
The ‘Noles had a little bit of a scare in the top of the second inning as catcher Stephen McGee was called for catcher’s interference after the bat hit his catching glove, bruising his wrist. A long delay ensued before Mike Martin would allow McGee to remain in the game.
The second inning proved to be the one which FSU broke it open against the MEAC Champions. Seth Miller began the route with a leadoff double down the right field line, then took third base off a McGowin wild pitch. For a moment, it appeared as if the Seminoles would miss out on the scoring chance as both Giovanny Alfonzo and John Sansone struck out while Miller was still at third. Josh Delph would extend the inning after being hit by a 2-2 pitch. Up comes DJ Stewart and in comes another run for Florida State after Stewart’s double to right center.
Marcus Davis would keep the inning going as his double to right center, bouncing off the top of the 30 foot fence, would bring in both Stewart and Delph, making it 4-0 Seminoles. Davis would finish the game 3-4 with 4 RBI. The inning after being somewhat injured, McGee came to bat and took a 1-1 pitch to left field. The ball would hit towards the top of the scoreboard, giving McGee his ninth homerun of the year and making it 6-0 Florida State.
To continue the Seminole offense in the following inning, Stewart hit a 2-RBI double to right field, bringing in Miller and Delph. Stewart finished the game 3-4 with three RBI and three runs scored.
“We’ve been working [offensively],” left fielder DJ Stewart said. “We wanted to get that taste of the ACC Tournament out of our mouths. We came this week ready to work like we’ve done all season long.”
McGowin would end up being pulled after five innings after allowing 10 runs to come in. He gave up six walks and nine hits after throwing 132 pitches.
Lost in the offensive outburst for Florida State was the gem Scott Sitz threw against Savannah State. Sitz went 7.1 innings, scattering seven hits and striking out eight. His performance gave him his 10th win of the year.
“It was the Scotty Sitz show tonight,” Martin said. “He’s done an outstanding job of spotting his fastball. He had the curveball and changeup going. Any time you can shutout a team of the ability of Savannah State, as a coach, you’re pleased.”
Savannah State will go up against Alabama (34-27), who lost to Troy in the early game 5-2. The loser between the Crimson Tide and the Tigers will be eliminated. Florida State will face Troy (41-18) in the winner’s bracket at 5 p.m.