3 up, 3 down: Down to its last strike, Florida State rallies to force Game 7 vs. Auburn

Down to its last strike in the ninth inning, and a loss sending Florida State home for the season, the ‘Noles rallied to tie the game on an RBI triple and then win the game in the 10th inning over Auburn by a final score of 8-7.

3 up:

1. If it wasn’t for Dylan Busby and his two strike, two out RBI triple in the ninth to bring home the tying run, Florida State would be sitting at home until next February. Busby, who went 2-5 with that triple and a towering three-run home run vs. Auburn on Sunday was the deciding factor.
2. Starting pitcher Andrew Karp struggled through his first three innings, allowing three runs, however found his groove and finished the night throwing 6 ²⁄₃ innings, allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out four. It wasn’t the best possible outcome, but his performance put FSU in a position to win the game. Closer Drew Carlton also deserves a note, pitching two scoreless innings of relief.
3. The resilience and grit that Florida State showed in the second of back-to-back games were a big factor in the comeback win. The ‘Noles, who struggled offensively against TTU in its victory immediately before the game vs. Auburn, jumped out to a 6-2 lead after the second. FSU would not score again until the ninth inning, on that Dylan Busby RBI triple mentioned ahead. In the bottom of the 10th, there was no one on base and two outs when Drew Mendoza and Matt Henderson both drew walks. Steven Wells Jr. then laced a single off the pitcher's leg, remaining in the infield. J.C. Flowers, who has struggled tremendously at the plate this season, was hit with a pitch with two strikes, bringing home the game winning run. It was quite the emotional rollercoaster for both players and fans alike.

3 down:

1. Jim Voyles came in for relief of Andrew Karp with a 6-4 lead that was no more when Voyles was relieved for. He allowed three earned runs, all in the ninth inning. In his 1 ¹⁄₃ total innings pitched, Voyles gave up three hits.
2. Fielding was once again a downfall for Florida State, committing three on the day. The errors resulted in only one unearned run as the pitchers were able to minimize the damage. Going forward, committing three errors in a game at this stage in the NCAA Tournament could be catastrophic.
3. Florida State will be playing its fifth game in four days on Monday, which will certainly affect the player's energy. Further, the team’s bullpen has been used heavily over the past four days of the Tallahassee Regional, including all four regular season starting pitchers being used. All signs point to Will Zirzow starting on Tuesday, but if he, or whoever makes the start, aren’t able to last past a few innings, it’s going to put an even further strain on the tired arms in the FSU ‘pen.

The do-or-die game against Auburn on Monday will be played from Dick Howser at 7 PM.