FSU Blows by Stetson in a Two Game Series

Florida State (40-9) once again had a dominant two game mid-week series against Stetson (23-26). This time going at it in DeLand, Fla., the Seminoles breezed by the Hatters to kick off their five game road trip. Heading into one of their toughest series this upcoming weekend, the Noles were able to fix some of their problems faced during the UCF series.

Game 1

FSU 13 Stetson 5

Although Peter Miller did not have his best start of the year, he was able to settle down after the second inning and give Florida State a handful of solid innings beginning in the third. Finishing with six innings pitched, Miller struck out three and walked one while giving up eight hits and four runs. Each run was scored in the first two innings.

Ultimately, the FSU offense was the main story of the game. The Noles blew by the Hatters from scoring early and often. Florida State scored two runs in each inning for the first four innings, then added four more in the eighth for good measure.

Jameis Winston was the main source of the FSU power as he finished with a career-high three hits and four RBIs. Winston also scored twice in the Noles route.

DJ Stewart, Stephen McGee, and Giovanny Alfonzo each had two RBI with Stewart going 3-6 and scoring three runs while McGee finished -3 and scored twice.

MVP of the Game

Jameis Winston – Winston’s career day paced the Seminoles as his four RBIs ranked most of all Noles. Winston also had a career high three hits.

Game 2

FSU 14 Stetson 2

The Noles once again took care of the Hatters, this time making a bigger statement than the night before. Starting with an eight run first inning, there was no doubt Florida State meant business against Stetson. FSU would then score three runs in both the third and fourth inning.

Due to Billy Strode pitching the night before, Mike Martin took advantage of the early run support and gave his bullpen some work. Starting with Bryant Holtmann and followed by what seemed like the entire bullpen, a total of six Seminole pitchers combined to hold Stetson to two runs.

Jameis Winston had one of his most impressive pitching performances Wednesday, going three innings and striking out four while giving up no hits or runs.

Offensively, DJ Stewart led the Noles with four RBI, scoring a run, and finishing 2-3 with a walk. Both Marcus Davis and John Sansone brought in two runs.

The win over Stetson completes the four game season sweep over the Hatters.

MVP of the Game

DJ Stewart – Stewart’s four RBIs helped the Noles route Stetson as two of the four RBIs came in their eight run first inning. Stewart would finish 2-3 with a walk and scoring a run before being replaced by Brett Kneif in the fourth inning.

Looking Ahead

Florida State will have one of their most difficult series of the year with control of the ACC Atlantic Division on the line for each of these teams. Completing their five game road trip, the Seminoles will travel up to Raleigh, N.C. to face the Wolfpack (38-11, 15-8) who are currently a half game behind FSU in the division.

All-time, the Seminoles hold a 57-26 record against N.C. State while FSU is also 18-10 on the road. Since the last road trip to Raleigh, the Noles are 4-3 against the Pack with the losses coming in Raleigh, Tallahassee, and the 2011 ACC Championship in Durham, N.C. Florida State has won the last two games against N.C. State.

ESPN 3 will have coverage of the first two games while ESPNU will air the finale. Game one is set for noon on Saturday.