Florida State opens their road schedule today in Blacksburg against Virginia Tech. The Hokies are one of the hottest teams in the country, winning their first two ACC series. VT has been on fire with the bats, in the top fifty in the country in runs and homers.

Here are today’s probables:

Friday 3/12, 4:00 PM

Probable Starters: LHP Parker Messick (3.52 ERA, 15.2 IP) vs. LHP Peyton Alford (6.48 ERA, 8.1 IP)

How to watch: ACC Network Extra

Messick is coming off his first ever ACC pitcher of the week award. The southpaw worked eight scoreless innings with 11 K’s. Messick also gave up no walks and just three hits. The Plant City native was at his very best and in command of all his pitches. When he’s consistent with his full arsenal, he can be un-hittable. It will be key for Messick to bring the type of energy that he had in Dick Howser on the road. VT’s top two hitters are both lefties, so it could be a good matchup for the second-year freshman. If the Seminoles get another gem from their ace, they’ll be in great position for their second straight Friday win.

Alford is expected to get the Friday start for the Hokies. The southpaw is in his first season as a weekend starter, as the senior made nine relief appearances last season. So far this year, he’s worked just 8.1 innings in three appearances and two starts. For his VT career, he’s posted a 4.37 ERA. So far this year, he’s given up seven walks and eight runs. Alford possesses a high-80’s fastball and a high-70’s slider. He also has a changeup and a curveball.

Matheu Nelson is a game time decision. We’ll update when FSU’s lineup becomes available.

UPDATE, 2:40 PM:

Matheu Nelson is back.

First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM from Blacksburg. 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 (@brettpn).