The 2-game losing streak and the offensive slump for Florida State is over. After a pitcher’s duel early on, the Seminoles finally broke out the bats on Friday with four runs in the sixth and four more in the seventh in a 9-2 victory over Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.
With the win, FSU improves to 14-5 and 3-1 in ACC play. The series will resume with contests on Saturday and Sunday.
The Good: FSU starting pitcher Cole Sands rebounded from a lackluster start to pitch a strong 5 2/3 innings, allowing a run on three hits while walking two and striking out a career-high seven. After a stretch of 21 of 22 innings without a run, the Seminoles finally put things together offensively with back-to-back big innings.
The Bad: Virginia Tech pitching left much to be desired. The Hokies not only gave up nine runs on eight hits, but they walked eight batters and hit another.
The Ugly: Packy Naughton was good early on for Virginia Tech before running into trouble in the sixth. From there, the Virginia Tech bullpen was awful on Friday. Relievers Graham Seitz and Kit Scheetz combined to give up four runs without recording an out.
Studs of the Game: FSU designated hitter Quincy Nieporte hit his third grand slam of the season, finishing the game with two hits and five RBIs. Catcher Cal Raleigh was 2-for-2 with a homer and three runs scored. As mentioned before, Sands was outstanding on the mound. For Virginia Tech, Sam Fragale had two hits and a run scored.
Duds of the Game: Seitz and Scheetz were horrendous out of the Virginia Tech bullpen on Friday. At the plate, Virginia Tech’s Raheim Cooper was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Matt Henderson was 0-for-3 for the Seminoles.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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