3 up, 3 down: FSU dominates Jackets

Florida State took on one of the ACC’s best pitchers in Georgia Tech’s Xzavion Curry but the ‘Noles were up to the task and beat the Yellow Jackets 10-2. With the win Mike Martin sits just 8 wins from becoming the all-time winningest coach in collegiate baseball history.

Three Up

• Cole Sands was never meant to be the Friday starter for Florida State but coaches raved about the junior all off-season and maybe fans are starting to see why. While Sands started off ACC play in less than desirable fashion he’s now put together back-to-back 7 inning quality starts. In the past teams have been able to get to Sands early before he’s able to settle into a grove and while Friday night was no different Sands was able to limit the damage. Georgia Tech struck 1st with a 1st inning solo home run and threatened in the 2nd by loading the bases with 2 outs but the FSU pitcher never gave in. Sands surrendered just 4 hits on the day with only the home run going for extra bases. He walked 3 and struck out 8.
• Xzavio Curry has been one of the best pitchers in the ACC this year and early on it looked like that reputation might have been well deserved. However, the Seminoles were able to stay patient at the plate and strike when they had the opportunity. Florida State threatened in the 2nd but couldn’t break through but the ‘Noles put up 4 runs in the 4th capped by Nick Derr’s 3-run shot. Curry threw 104 pitches in his 5 innings striking out only 3 and giving up 4 runs.
• It’s hard to pinpoint just one offensive hero in this game. The top of the order did a great job setting the table for the heavy hitters. Both Derr and Jackson Lueck had home runs on the night, Cal Raleigh had 2 doubles and Rhett Aplin went 3-5. The top 4 batters in the order scored 7 runs and only 2 starters went hitless. Even striking out 8 times on the day the Florida State lineup was relentless.

Three Down

Honestly speaking anything in this category could be considered nit-picky.

• Clayton Kwiatkowski entered the game after Sands gave up a lead off walk in the 8th. Kwiatkowski started his outing well with an immediate strike out followed by a single to the short stop and another strike out but things started to go south there. A single scored a run and a walk brought the tying run to the plate as the bases were loaded. Kwiatkowski did finish the inning with another strike out but you’d rather not see that much effort expended by the first man out of the pen.
• Drew Mendoza continues to struggle. Mendoza did net a single and a scored run on the day but he also struck out twice with runners in scoring position. It seems like the sophomore is pressing a bit. The lack of production from FSU’s best hitter did not hurt them today but it could tomorrow.
• There’s no 3rd down on the game. Sure the ‘Noles struck out 8 times but they walked 4. Yes, they left 8 men on base but they put up 10 runs. While the team was not perfect, it’s really tough to find a big negative.

Up next, Florida State will look to take the series at Georgia Tech this Saturday at 4. Drew Parrish (2-0, 2.61 ERA) will take the mound for the Seminoles.