3 up, 3 down: Florida State drops series finale vs. Virginia

Florida State fell behind early and were never able to gather a lead in its 7-5 loss to Virginia on Sunday.

Three up:

1. The heart of the order provided FSU’s offense on Sunday. Quincy Nieporte, Drew Mendoza and Rhett Aplin, the four five and six hitters of the lineup, went a combined 3-9 with two home runs and four RBI. It was a nice turnaround from Saturday when the team was only able to muster two hits all game.
2. Drew Carlton was sensational out of the bullpen. He threw the final 3 ²⁄₃ innings for FSU, not allowing a run or walk while striking out three. With a four game series coming up against Pacific next week, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Carlton starting one of those games.
3. No errors!!

Three down:

1. Andrew Karp started the game and did not record an out before he was pulled my head coach Mike Martin. Karp allowed four runs, all earned, on four hits and a walk. His ERA on the season is now 7.30 and his rotation spot may be questionable going forward.
2. In the first three innings, FSU grounded into a double play three times. When a team is down early and trying to chip away at a large deficit, the twin killing really is killing.
3. Although FSU scored five runs, no batter had more than one hit in the game for FSU. The offense needs to get going at a more consistent level sooner or later.

FSU is now off until next weekend when it hosts Pacific for a four game series.