Photo courtesy of Georgia Tech athletics
Florida State baseball was unable to complete the sweep on Sunday, but the Seminoles had a productive trip to Atlanta.
FSU took two of three games from Georgia Tech over the weekend. Over the course of the three games, the Seminoles scored 30 runs. That was the second-most for FSU in any series this season behind only last month’s trip to Miami.
Since getting swept by Pittsburgh to open ACC play, the Seminoles have won six of eight series. Here’s a look back on the weekend in Atlanta:
A Look Back
Florida State 9, Georgia Tech 0
Friday, April 23
Starting pitcher Parker Messick allowed just three runs and three walks in six shutout innings for FSU. Mat Nelson, Jackson Greene and Robby Martin all homered in the victory. Davis Hare finished 3-for-5 with a run scored for the Seminoles. Georgia Tech managed just four hits.
Florida State 13, Georgia Tech 10
Saturday, April 24 (completed Sunday)
FSU led 11-1 at one point before Georgia Tech made things interesting by scoring 10 runs over the final three innings. The teams combined for five home runs in the contest, which included the 17th from FSU catcher Mat Nelson. Logan Lacey also left the yard for the Seminoles during a 5-RBI contest for the infielder. Tyler Martin scored four runs for the Seminoles in the victory. Brad Grenkoski, Andrew Jenkins and John Anderson all homered for the Yellow Jackets in the loss. Most of the Georgia Tech offense came against the FSU bullpen. FSU starter Bryce Hubbart allowed just a run on three hits in five innings to pick up the win.
Want more FSU content?
Discussion like this takes place every day in our forum! Join today!
Florida State 8, Georgia Tech 9
Sunday, April 25
Georgia Tech erased a 5-0 deficit with nine straight runs before holding off FSU to avoid the sweep on Sunday. The Yellow Jackets took control of the contest with a 6-run seventh inning. Charlie Benson’s 2-run double tied the game before Cameron Turley put Georgia Tech ahead for good with an RBI single. FSU cut a 9-5 deficit to one and put the tying run in scoring position in the ninth inning, but Jackson Greene grounded into a double play to end the game. Mat Nelson homered for the third straight game for FSU in the loss. Nander De Sedas and Elijah Cabell also homered for the Seminoles. De Sedas finished with four RBIs.
In the Polls and Standings
By taking two of three, FSU improved to 20-15 on the season and 15-12 in ACC play. FSU is currently in third place in the ACC Atlantic behind Louisville and Notre Dame. The Seminoles are tied for the fourth-best ACC record.
With the strong weekend, FSU moved up two spots to No. 15 in the Baseball America Poll. In the D1Baseball Poll, the Seminoles moved up five spots to No. 20. FSU remains unkranked in the Collegiate Baseball Poll.
Nuggets
With three home runs over the weekend, FSU catcher Mat Nelson continues to lead the nation in long balls this season with 18. Four other players have 15 home runs this season. Nelson also leads the nation with 53 RBIs.
After his stellar start on Friday night, FSU’s Parker Messick leads the ACC with a 2.41 ERA. Messick ranks third in the ACC in opponent’s batting average and second in strikeouts.
Bryce Hubbart picked up his team-leading fifth win in Saturday’s victory over Georgia Tech. The Seminoles are one of only two teams in the ACC with three different pitchers to have at least four wins.
Upcoming
This will be the final week of the season where FSU does not play an ACC opponent. The Seminoles will host Stetson on Tuesday before Troy visits for a 3-game series, beginning on Friday.
All four contests will stream on ACC Network Extra. Tuesday’s contest begins at 5 p.m. ET. Friday’s begins at 6 p.m. ET. The weekend contests will start ay 2 p.m. ET and 1 p.m. ET, respectively.
Mike Ferguson is the managing editor for Fifth Quarter. Be sure to follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeWFerguson. Follow all of Mike’s work by liking his Facebook page.