A 5-run second inning for LSU was too much for Florida State to overcome on Wednesday night as the Tigers downed FSU in a College World Series elimination game, 7-4. The Seminoles tried to chip away, but never could manage to get the big hit until it was too late.
FSU starter Cole Sands took the loss as the Seminoles finished the campaign with a 46-23 record. Unfortunately for FSU, it will keep the dubious distinction of having the most trips to Omaha without a title. LSU, the No. 4 national seeded, will need to beat Oregon State twice to advance to the national championship series. The Tigers will play again on Friday night.
The Good: The long ball was a theme on Wednesday night as the teams combined for four home runs with three coming from the Seminoles. Both bullpens also had good nights. FSU allowed just two runs in 7 2/3 innings of relief while LSU closer Mike Hess struck out the side in the ninth after starter Jared Poche’ allowed back-to-back home runs to FSU’s Quincy Nieporte and Cal Raleigh.
The Bad: Florida State had only four at-bats with runners in scoring position, but was hitless in those at-bats. FSU also committed two errors, allowing for an unearned LSU run.
The Ugly: FSU’s streak of outstanding starting pitching ended as Cole Sands made it just one time through the LSU order. In 1 1/3 innings, Sands gave up five runs. The big blow came on a 3-run shot off the bat of LSU’s No. 9 hitter, Jake Slaughter.
Studs of the Game: For LSU, Slaughter deserves credit thanks to his big blast. Zach Watson was 3-for-5 with a run scored and an RBI. Antoine Duplantis had two hits, a run and an RBI. For the Seminoles, Andrew Karp was solid out of the bullpen, allowing just three hits in 5 1/3 innings of scoreless relief while striking out seven. Nieporte, Raleigh and Drew Mendoza all left the yard for FSU. Nieporte drove in two of the four FSU runs. Mendoza was the only FSU player with two hits.
Duds of the Game: Sands unfortunately takes this honor for FSU as does closer Drew Carlton, who allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings. Taylor Walls and Tyler Holton were each 0-for-4 at the plate with three combined strikeouts. Michael Papierski was 0-for-4 with three strikeouts for LSU in the win.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
You must be logged in to post a comment Login