Florida State managed to turn what looked to be a tough week into a productive one as FSU split four games against ranked opponents. After falling short to rival Florida in Gainesville on Tuesday, Florida State let a late lead slip away in Friday’s series-opener against Virginia in Charlottesville. The Seminoles came through with a ninth inning rally to even the series on Saturday before a dominating effort on the mound and at the dish gave FSU the series victory on Sunday. Florida State is now 19-6 overall for the year and 7-2 in ACC play. The Seminoles sit just a game back of Louisville in the Atlantic division. After four straight road games, Florida State returns to Tallahassee on Wednesday to take on Alabama State before beginning a 3-game set at Dick Howser Stadium against Virginia Tech on Friday.
Florida State 4, Virginia 8
Friday, March 20th
Kenny Towns’ 2-run single put Virginia ahead for good as the Cavaliers scored five runs in the seventh inning to rally past Florida State and take the series-opener. Catcher Matt Thaiss homered, drove in three runs and scored three more for the Cavaliers in the victory. Taylor Walls and Dylan Busby each had a pair of hits for Florida State in the loss. Despite not allowing an earned run, Dylan Silva suffered his first loss of the year for FSU. Virginia starter Nathan Kirby allowed two runs on four hits and struck out 11 Seminoles over six innings, but reliever Kevin Doherty picked up the win.
Florida State 12, Virginia 10
Saturday, March 21st
Dylan Busby’s 2-run home run in the top of the 9th put Florida State ahead for good as the Seminoles avoided allowing another late to evaporate. FSU led 8-3 heading into the bottom of the 7th, but Virginia evened the game with a 5-spot in the frame. After the Seminoles regained the lead on a solo homer by D.J. Stewart, the Cavaliers scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the 8th to go ahead 10-9. Danny De La Calle added some insurance with a solo shot in the top of the 9th. John Sansone hit a grand slam in the victory while Stewart and Busby each added three RBIs. Kenny Towns drove in four runs for Virginia in the loss.
Florida State 13, Virginia 1
Sunday, March 22nd
Florida State again busted out the big bats on Sunday as the Seminoles scored 13 runs — their season-high in ACC play — to take the series from Virginia. Dylan Busby’s 3-run home run lifted FSU to an early 4-0 lead while junior D.J. Stewart left the yard twice, finishing the day with three hits, four runs scored and six driven in. On the mound, Cobi Johnson was stellar for Florida State, allowing just five hits and a run in seven innings to pick up the win and improve to 3-1 on the year. Virginia’s only run came in the first as shortstop Daniel Pinero scored on a RBI single by Matt Thaiss.
