Stuetzer's four RBI ignited Florida State's offense, while strong pitching secured a hard-fought win against Notre Dame's potent lineup.
Florida State right fielder John Stuetzer plated four runs, and the Seminoles pitching staff combined for 12 strikeouts to take a 9-7 victory in Game 2 of their ACC series with Notre Dame on Saturday at Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee.
Stuetzer went 2-for-4 on the day, including a triple, as part of a Seminoles scoring barrage that lasted until the fifth inning. Florida State (27-11, 11-6 ACC) collected 10 hits in the game, and four were extra-base hits: two doubles, a triple and a home run.
Florida State hitters roughed up Jack Radel, the starter for Notre Dame (17-17, 8-12), and he was pulled after just three innings. Radel gave up seven hits, six earned runs, three walks and no strikeouts.
Coming into the game, Radel was considered a top major-league prospect and was projected as a late first-round, early second-round draft pick. He was recruited to Notre Dame during Link Jarrett’s tenure there as head coach.
In the early going, the game looked like it was headed to another run-rule victory by the Seminoles, who took a 9-2 lead by the sixth inning. But the Fighting Irish erupted for four runs in the sixth to close the gap to 9-6. Notre Dame, which also collected 10 hits, held Florida State scoreless the rest of the way.
Florida State hurler Trey Beard (4-1) earned the win on the strength of eight strikeouts and only one walk through 5.1 innings. Beard did give up two solo home runs early in the game. Relievers Chris Knier and John Abraham come on to close the game out and combined for four strikeouts. Abraham got his fifth save of the season.
In the two victories in the series, Florida State has belted 23 hits (eight for extra bases), and scored 20 runs. But the Noles on Saturday did not put Notre Dame away early, as they did on Friday night.
The Seminoles were aggressive on the base paths, stealing six bases against Fighting Irish catcher Mark Quatrani. Left fielder Chase Williams led FSU in that regard, using his speed to swipe four bases to go with his two hits and two runs scored.
At his postgame press conference, Jarrett spoke about his team’s base-running against the Irish.
"I get excited about the base running and the bunting," Jarrett told reporters. "When you have two base-hit bunts and steal some bags, and you obviously see what that does, it becomes distracting, and I thought our guys used that tool and had fairly good poise.”
With the victory, Florida State improves to 19-3 at home. The Seminoles will go for the series sweep on Sunday.
How to Watch Game 3
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Dick Howser Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
Streaming: ACC Extra
Radio: 100.7 FM WFLA
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