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Florida State followed up a dreadful weekend with a 7-6 walk-off victory courtesy of Jackson Lueck. The ‘Noles are now 1-1 on the season vs. FGCU and look to take the season series on Wednesday at 4 PM.
3 up
1. Jackson Lueck was the hero for Florida State, with a walk-off double in the bottom of the ninth. By games end, Lueck had a team high three hits and two doubles to go along with three RBI. On the season, the sophomore is hitting .345 and continues to be the consistent go-to in the top of the order.
2. After starter Andrew Karp struggled, the back end of the bullpen shut down FGCU and allowed the ‘Noles to come back. With the score tied 6-6, Alec Byrd came in for one out and was relieved by Clayton Kwiatkowski who followed with 1 2⁄3 scoreless inning of his own. Drew Carlton then pitched a scoreless top of the ninth, and earned the win. It was a much needed confidence boost for the bullpen.
3. Situational hitting was on-point for FSU on Tuesday night. With runners on base, the Seminoles hit a combined 6-15 (.400), went 3-10 (.300) with RISP, and got the leadoff runner on base three times.
3 down
1. Andrew Karp had another forgettable start, allowing three earned runs in four innings, allowing two home runs and only striking out one. Karp continues to be a question mark every time he starts a mid week game, and now owns a 5.03 ERA in 39 1⁄3 innings pitched.
2. It’s early, but freshman Drew Mendoza continues to struggle at the plate. Tuesday’s first baseman got his second hit of the season, and is now 2-18 in his collegiate career. He also grounded into a double play, his third of the season, tying him for the team lead in that category in just 18 at bats. It’s still early to get too concerned, but it is something to look at going forward.
3. At the plate, it was very unlike Florida State baseball. The team had two walks and struck out eight times. FSU did have 11 hits too offset the lack of baserunners via walk, but Florida State leads the nation in walks and needs to continue success in that area.