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The Seminoles hitters were unable pressure the Gators despite facing a left fielder on the mound for the first 4innings. There were base runners but the timely hits were not there and the Gators used their strong pitching staff to shut down the Noles until the 9th inning. Florida State avoided a shutout thanks to a solo homerun by Jose Brizuela, his second against the Gators this season for a 4-1 final score.
To make this game even more interesting was the events that took place in the 8th inning when DJ Stewart ran through first baseman Zach Powers and pitcher Danny Young, who just happened to be in the baseline. UPDATE: Here is the video via Deadspin. The first baseman took exception to this for some reason, shoving ensued and both benches cleared. When all was said and done three players were ejected and the rest of the game was played out without incident other than lots of trash talking by both sides.
As frustrating as these two losses have been to the Noles most hated rivals over the last week it is important to understand that Florida State has one of the best offenses in the country. The process is there, unfortunately the results have not been. The Noles can get back on track this weekend against a bad Boston College weekend in preparation of the series finale in Tallahassee.
One thing is for sure, both teams will be on edge the next time they meet as Florida State looks to salvage at least one game this season.
UPDATE: WEDNESDAY EVENING
After the NCAA Division I Rules Committee reviewed Tuesday night’s incident between Florida State University and the University of Florida in the top of the eighth at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, the committee ruled that Florida State’s DJ Stewart will serve a four-game suspension.
Comment from Florida State Head Coach Mike Martin:
“I plan to meet with the appropriate national organizations who have oversight of baseball playing rules and address this issue as I feel the punishment does not fit the crime.”
The Florida State Athletics Department, head coach Mike Martin and the Seminole baseball team will have no further comment regarding this matter.