We’re less than halfway through the season, but Florida State got a win on Tuesday night it really needed.
The Seminoles rallied from seven runs down in the first inning to beat Jacksonville at Dick Howser Stadium, 10-9. FSU was able to chip away throughout the evening before scoring three runs in the ninth to win on a walk-off 2-run single by freshman outfielder J.C. Flowers.
Midweek victories over teams they are expected to beat for the Seminoles are rarely cause for celebration, but considering FSU’s circumstances coming into the game, Tuesday’s win was a big one.
Entering the contest with Jacksonville, the Seminoles were coming off a 1-4 week in which they were shut out twice, including the largest shutout loss in program history to Virginia Tech on Sunday. The day prior to that, FSU let an 8-run lead slip away in a 13-12 loss to the Hokies.
After a terrible week which led to Florida State dropping 12 spots in three different polls, including from first to No. 13 in the D1Baseball.com, it would have been easy to throw in the towel and let the slide continue. FSU however, didn’t do that.
“Falling behind like we did is a clear indication of what kind of club we have,†head coach Mike Martin said in a release. “That was an important game – a midweek of real importance. We had just lost four out of five on a road trip, come home to these fans, and entertain them to a seven-spot deficit.”
The Seminoles fought back throughout the night with runs in the first, second, fifth and sixth innings, two in the fourth and three in the decisive ninth.
After starter Andrew Karp gave up six runs in 2/3 of an inning, FSU also got a nice night from its maligned bullpen as six relievers combined to work 8 1/3 quality innings, allowing three runs but only one earned. Closer Drew Carlton worked a perfect ninth to pick up his first win of the season.
After a horrendous week last week, Tuesday’s come-from-behind victory could serve as a real confidence and momentum-builder as the season continues for Florida State. The Seminoles not only rallied from seven runs down to snap a losing skid, but they showed a lot of fight and resiliency in the process. Getting outfielder Jackson Lueck back from injury didn’t hurt either as the sophomore went 2-for-5 on Tuesday night with an RBI and two runs scored, including the game-winner.
In the regular season finale last year against Miami, FSU came in as losers of six of seven and were in danger of losing the chance to host a regional. The Seminoles rallied from a 2-0 deficit to win in 10 innings and were sparked by that victory as they went on to win seven of their next eight before finishing a win shy of the College World Series. Tuesday’s win could have a similar effect.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
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