Florida State first baseman Quincy Nieporte just stood and watched Tuesday night as his towering shot soared over the left-center field wall to give the Seminoles a 4-3, 12-inning walk-off victory at Dick Howser Stadium. The win not only snapped a 4-game losing streak, but gave the ‘Noles the season series over rival Florida.
Florida State was unable to solve many of the problems that persisted during the losing skid, but thanks to blasts like the one that ended it and an absolutely splendid effort from a pair of FSU relievers, the Seminoles were back on the right foot as the team met Nieporte at home plate.
During Florida State’s losing streak, the ‘Noles managed just four runs and were shut out a week ago for the first time this season at the hands of Florida Gulf Coast of all teams. The Seminoles matched that run total on Tuesday with four solo home runs: two from third baseman Dylan Busby, one from Chris Marconcini and the game-winner from Nieporte.
Increased offense was certainly a positive sign for the ‘Noles, but situation hitting continued to be an issue. Florida State was 0-for-8 at the plate with runners in scoring position and twice failed to get the run in with a man at third and less than two outs. The Seminoles also failed to take advantage in the fourth inning when they had a runner at second with nobody out.
Fortunately for Florida State, the ‘Noles were able to overcome the struggles they had been unable to in the previous four games. While Nieporte got to play the role of hero, it wouldn’t have been possible without the relief efforts of Dylan Silva and Billy Strode.
The two FSU lefties combined to throw 6 2/3 shutout innings of relief. Silva was perfect in 2 2/3 innings while Strode got out of one jam after another.
A former midweek starter, Strode had his longest outing of the year, going four innings. The Gators put runners in scoring position in each of the four innings Strode worked, but the left-handed closer managed to get out the ‘Noles back to the dugout without any damage each time including after loading the bases in the top of the 12th.
Though many of the issues that contributed to Florida State’s skid remained present on Tuesday night, the 4-3 victory over a rival ranked in the top 10 could serve as one to jump-start the team. It took a complete team effort to get the victory and take the season series, giving the Seminoles bragging rights over their opponents from Gainesville on the diamond, hardwood and the gridiron.
