Florida Beats FSU Yet Again, Makes it 11 Straight

Another contest with rival Florida, another heartbreaking loss for Florida State. The Gators topped FSU in their final at-bat Tuesday night to leave Dick Howser Stadium with a 3-1 victory.

With the contest tied 1-1 and two outs in the top of the ninth, pinch hitter Kirby McMullen laced a 2-run double down the right field line to put Florida (22-13) ahead for good. It was the 11th straight for Florida in the series.

FSU starter Conor Grady was nothing short of stellar on the mound, working seven innings, allowing just two hits and an unearned run but did not factor in the decision. Grady walked just one while striking out nine Gators. Chase Haney took the loss for the Seminoles after Clayton Kwiatkowski was unable to strand the runner he inherited in the ninth.

Brady McConnell put Florida on top in the fourth by scoring on a passed ball. The Seminoles (18-13) were able to even the game in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI groundout by Alec Sanchez. FSU led in the sixth inning or later in each of the first two meetings this season, but never could pull ahead on Tuesday.

FSU finished with eight hits to five for the Gators. Drew Mendoza, Nico Baldor and Matheu Nelson all had two hits. All the FSU hits were singles while two of the five hits for Florida went for extra bases.

With the loss, FSU head coach Mike Martin will likely finish his career 76-77 all-time against rival Florida. The Seminoles remain home to face Clemson on Friday.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson