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Despite the early 7-1 lead Florida State took after the second inning concluded, Stetson tried to jump back in it late, eventually getting the score to 8-5 but could not get any closer as they fell to the Seminoles by the same margin.
3 up:
Tyler Holton got a chance to prove himself in the game, and made his case to start again. In all, the freshman threw six innings, allowing one runs on four hits while striking out six. The lefty made his last start against UCF, throwing two innings before getting taken out of the game. The most encouraging sign from tonight was the fact that he only had one walk in six innings tonight, coming into the game with 17 in just over 23 innings.
The offense got off to a torrid start after getting flattened by Wake Forest on Sunday. In the first two innings, the 'Noles put seven runs on the board and had two home runs in the game against a decent pitcher. Each of the top six hitters in the order recorded a hit and Cal Raleigh and Jackson Lueck combined for five RBI. It was a much needed confidence boost for Florida State as they will look to continue that momentum.
The 'Noles left a total of four runners on base after leaving no fewer than five the whole weekend against Wake Forest. With runners in scoring position they converted on five of 15 chances which is above their season average. In a game where eight runs were score and only four men were left on base, FSU utilized every chance they got.
3 down:
Things got shaky when the bullpen was called upon as Alec Byrd and Chase Haney could barley make it past an inning. Byrd allowed a run on one hit before Haney was called upon and gave up two runs on two hits and two walks, only making it through 1/3 of an inning. This forced closer Tyler Warmoth to pitch the final 1 2/3 innings, and although he pitched well, the long 34 pitch outing may keep him out of a save situation tomorrow if necessary.
Errors once again were a storyline in 3 down after the two errors committed by the Florida State defense today. This was the 12th game this season where FSU has committed multiple errors in a season that is only 35 games deep. It also marks the 25th game with at least one error and the 'Noles are averaging more than one error per game.
The bottom (7-8-9) of the order, pinch hitters included, went a combined 0-10 with five of the seven FSU strikeouts and left two on base. Luckily for the 'Noles, the top of the order had an outstanding game as they are accustomed of having and led the team to victory. There will be days however that FSU needs production from all nine starting members, and without them it could make for catastrophic results.
Florida State will look for the series sweep tomorrow at 4 PM against Stetson.