No. 21 FSU baseball game thread vs. UNF: Saturday, 2:00 PM

It’s here. Happy opening day. It’s been 346 long days since FSU baseball took the field. The Seminoles start the season with the North Florida Ospreys this afternoon. Here’s a breakdown of the pitching matchup to expect:

Saturday 2/20, 2:00 PM

Probable Starters: LHP Tony Roca vs. LHP Parker Messick

Messick did everything he needed to necessary to become a starter this off-season, slimming down his weight and adding a fourth pitch, and it paid off. The Plant City native was a freshman All-American last season, after giving up just one earned run in 11.2 IP. Messick attacks hitters from a low slot which makes his ball jump. He has a 90-93 MPH fastball, low-80’s dominant changeup, a mid to high-70’s wipeout slider, and a low 70’s knuckle-curve. When asked about the opening day nod on Thursday, Messick said, “It’s everything that you come here and work for. It was mine coming in as a freshman and I have always been one of those guys that’s going to work for the top spot. No matter what I got to do, so that’s what I did. It just really means a lot that your hard work is kind of worth it and everything.”

The Ospreys will hand the ball to Tony Roca on opening day. Roca worked his way into a weekend rotation spot as a freshman last season and put up good numbers. Roca posted a 3.31 ERA in 16.1 IP. The southpaw struck out 11 while walking just two batters. His opponent’s batting average was .246, but he gave up five extra base hits. The Florida native has a big frame, standing 6’3 and 221 pounds. He has a deceptive delivery and will work off his pitchability. FSU will have to be ready to swing the bats on opening day.

Florida State will be without Elijah Cabell this weekend, but should have the depth to get past the Ospreys. Here is the projected starting order:

DH Tyler Martin

C Matheu Nelson

RF Robby Martin

1B Dylan Simmons

CF Reese Albert

LF Logan Lacey

SS Nander De Sedas

2B Jackson Greene

3B Vince Smith

UPDATE, 12:20 PM: FSU’s starting lineup

First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 PM from Dick Howser. The game will be broadcasted on ACC Network extra. We will have updates in the game thread below, and I’ll have updates on my twitter as well from the park (@brettpn).

Play ball.