The Daily Nole

Mendoza Walks Off Again, Leads Seminoles to 4-3 Win Over Bulldogs

Clint Eiland/The Daily Nole

Florida State baseball once again relied on Drew Mendoza’s ninth inning heroics to win. This time, it was against the UNC-Asheville Bulldogs, who it beat 4-3 on Saturday night at Dick Howser Stadium.

With the win, FSU clinches the series and moves to 10-0 on the year. It goes for the season sweep on Sunday afternoon.

The Good: The UNC-Asheville defense was exceptional on Saturday night. The Bulldogs’ infield saved their pitchers multiple times with spectacular sequences, which included three double plays and a circus catch at the dugout in the eighth inning. They also committed zero errors. In close games where the bats aren’t connecting early on, defense like theirs is crucial in keeping them competitive.

The Bad: Florida State turned to Gage Hutchinson on the mound in the seventh inning up 3-0. Hutchinson proceeded to give up three hits and three earned runs in less than an inning. It was clear by the third batter that Hutchinson did not have it in him on Saturday night, but head coach Mike Martin waited it out and got burned by it. It wasn’t the worst decision, but he probably should have been pulled earlier.

The Ugly: The concept of converting runners to runs seemed foreign to both teams: they combined for a pitiful 22 runners left on base. UNC-Asheville was worse in this regard, since it was only 5-for-17 with runners in scoring position. The Bulldogs also had an opportunity to take the lead in the ninth inning with bases loaded and zero outs. They consequently produced two strikeouts and a groundout. It’s not like the bats weren’t productive either — both teams had at least seven hits on the night.

Studs of the Game: Drew Mendoza gets the main selection for his career high 4-hit performance and walk-off single in the ninth inning. Drew Parrish started on the mound and went for over five innings with no earned runs. He also struck out nine. Jackson Lueck was productive for the Seminoles with three hits and two runs. Kole Harris for UNC-Asheville had one hit, one run, and one RBI.

Duds of the Game: Gage Hutchinson’s disastrous seventh inning puts him squarely in this category.

Extra Innings: The peanuts in the press box are now roasted. Thank you all for your concern about media nourishment.

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