No. 16 Florida State hosts Florida Gulf Coast

Sunday: Seminoles score early to hold off sweep by Eagles.

Watch: ACC Network Extra

Listen: Seminoles Radio Network

FSU: RHP Caron Montgomery (0-0, 2.00 ERA)

FGCU: Jacob Lojewski

Postgame: What started out as a repeat of the first two games of the series morphed into a pitcher’s duel as FSU salvaged the series with a Sunday win, 14-8. The Seminoles and Eagles combined for 17 runs over the first 3 innings before FSU’s Wyatt Crowell and FGCU’s Justin Henschel held each team scoreless until the bottom of the eighth inning.

Starter Carson Montgomery lasted only 2.1 innings, allowing seven earned runs before giving way to Crowell. For the Seminoles' offense, the second inning was the difference maker as the bats came alive for seven runs. Nander De Sadas and Jaime Ferrer both homered in the inning to push FSU’s run total to 10 through the first two innings.

From there, it was the Wyatt Crowell show for FSU. The junior answered the call throwing a career-high 5.2 IP and striking out seven while allowing one earned run. Crowell would keep the Eagles off the board until the ninth. After allowing the first two batters to reach, he gave way to Doug Kirkland who allowed an inherited runner to score before striking out the side.

Colton Vincent was 3-3 with four RBIs including a huge three-run double in the bottom of the eighth to give FSU the breathing room they needed to close out the game.

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Friday: Florida State cannot overcome FGCU offensive outburst.

Listen: Seminoles Radio Network

FSU: RHP Jackson Baumeister (0-0, 2.25 ERA)

FGCU: RHP Jason Woodward (2-0, 0.00 ERA)

Postgame: The game started out well for FSU as James Tibbs hit his second first-inning two-run home run in as many games but it was largely downhill after that. Jackson Baumeister lasted just 2.1 innings giving up six runs on five hits. While only three of those were earned a miscommunication at first base between him and Bazz Jimenez followed by a double resulted in three of those runs.

FGCU continued to hit well on their way to a 10-8 win recording 14 hits, nine of which were for extra bases and wearing out the first three FSU pitchers they saw. The ‘Noles finally got some hope when Doug Kirkland came in and pitched three strong innings of two-hit ball.

The Seminoles pulled within one in the sixth inning with five runs in the frame but should have been able to tie the game. With no one out and runners on second and third Colton Vincent hit a high chopper to third base and was thrown out on the play. Nander DeSedas held at first and then went after the throw was made to first, easily being thrown out at home. DeSedas could have easily made it home had he been running on the play but to not go at first and then run after the throw was pretty head-scratching.

In the end, the FGCU offense was too much for the FSU pitching staff as the Eagles tacked on a couple of more runs in the eighth while FSU could only grab one more. The ‘Noles were a bit unlucky at the plate as they did have a few hard-hit balls that found gloves but the offense wasn’t the problem on the night.

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Saturday: Florida State cannot overcome FGCU offensive outburst, Part Deux

Listen: Seminoles Radio Network

FSU: LHP Jamie Arnold (0-0, 4.32 ERA)

FGCU: LHP Mason Miller (1-0, 1.86 ERA)

Postgame: Florida State fell to FGCU 11-10 losing its third game of the year and first series. Game two looked very similar to game one. FSU took the lead in the first inning this time with three two-out hits. FGCU immediately struck back with a combination of extra-base hits, walks, and poor FSU defense. Just like Baumeister, Jamie Arnold lasted just 2.1 innings giving up six runes. Only two were earned but he got himself into a good bit of trouble with two walks and two extra-base hits. The defense was pretty sloppy for both teams as they racked up eight total errors on the day, five for FGCU and three for FSU.

FGCU was paced at the plate by Edrick Felix’s two home runs, one of which was the game-winner but every Eagle had a hit in the game except Jake Mummau. Six of FGCU’s 11 hits went for extra bases and four of those were of the home run variety. Florida State was no slouch at the plate but on three of their 16 hits went for extra bases and none left he park. McGwire Holbrook showed off in his first start in the Garnet & Gold as the DH going 3-5 with a double and three RBI. He did seem to tweak his hamstring scoring on an error and lazy recovery by the FGCU shortstop but did make his next plate appearance.

After losing the lead on Felix’s solo home run in the top of the ninth FSU did mount a comeback recording two straight two-out singles but a ground out ended the game. Ultimately the difference between these two teams is the power at the plate the Eagles bring that FSU was not able to match this weekend. The offense continues to impress for Florida State but, as was expected to start the season, the ‘Noles are looking for consistency on the mound and have yet to find it so far in this young season. FSU will look to avoid a sweep at home on Sunday.

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Weekend preview:

After a wild end to a 13th-inning win against USF, No. 16 Florida State (7-1) is set to take another Florida team, this time in Florida Gulf Coast University.

FSU leads the all-time series with FGCU 11-5 and is currently on a two-game win streak in the series, with the latest a 10-4 win at home in March 2022.

The Eagles come in with an 8-1 record after sweeping Hofstra and UMass Lowell, beating FIU and losing 7-8 to Illinois State. One win away from the best start in program history, they’re coming into Tallahassee looking to make a big mark.

The Eagles are paced offensively by Joe Kinker, who is hitting .500 and is two home runs away from the school career record. Friday night starter Jason Woodward has yet to give up a run in two appearances and has 15 Ks in 11 innings.