3 up, 3 down: Florida State baseball walks away with a victory over Texas Tech

Florida State began a two game, midweek series against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on Tuesday. The 'Noles extended their perfect record against left handed starting pitchers, defeating TTU by a final score of 10-1

3 up:

As stated in the preview, Florida State was going to get many opportunities at the plate to reach base as long as they were patient. Tonight, that patience paid off as the 'Noles walked 10 times, increasing their season total to 154, 10th in the country. Those walks were spread amongst the lineup, creating situations with multiple runners on at once for FSU. In all, eight different players walked.

For the 10th time this season, Florida State scored double digit runs. The way they scored them tonight was nothing short of efficient. In all eight times at the plate, FSU had at least one runner reach base - seven of those times came with one out or less in the innings. The offense was balanced throughout the game, scoring in six of eight frames at the plate.

Once again, the pitching staff combined for a great performance, securing the victory. Drew Carlton started the game and went 3 2/3 innings allowing the only earned run by the staff. Jim Voyles followed by throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings lowering his season ERA to a minuscule 0.33. Alec Byrd, Cobi Johnson, Matt Kinney and Will Zirzow combined for the remaining 3 2/3 innings allowing two total baserunners.

3 down:

The 'Noles did score 10 runs in the game, however they were dreadful at the plate with runners in scoring position, going 0-8 . Normally, FSU does a decent job in those circumstances going 96-327 (.294) heading into today. They were bailed out by a Texas Tech pitching staff that threw three wild pitches and hit three batters in addition to walking 10.

The margin of victory could have been much higher if Florida State had executed with runners on base. There were two instances throughout the game where the 'Noles left the bases loaded and one of those times, there was only one out on the board. Against a very offensive heavy team such as Texas Tech, it's important to score as many runs as possible.

Strategically or not, Florida State did not make the TTU outfielders do much work. In all, FSU only hit four of their 24 outs into the outfield and had three extra base hits all night. They did their job hitting against a contact pitcher in Erikson Lanning of TTU, but this weekend against Louisville the Seminoles will not have that luxury.

The 'Noles look for the sweep tomorrow night at 6 PM from Tallahassee.