Carter McCulley’s explosive day and a gritty bullpen performance powered the Seminoles past the Panthers, overcoming Coach Link Jarrett’s ejection to secure a dominant home stand.
No. 14 Florida State defeated ACC foe Pitt 6-4 on Sunday for a three-game sweep at Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee.
Florida State (33-14, 15-9) collected 15 hits on the day, led by second baseman Carter McCulley, who went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a home run and three RBI.
The Seminoles came alive with a three-run sixth inning to take a 5-4 lead on an RBI triple by right fielder Brody DeLamielleure. Florida State added an insurance run to make the score 6-4.
Relief pitching and defense came through for Florida State, as the Noles held Pitt (28-18, 10-14) scoreless over the final five innings.
Bryson Moore started for the Seminoles, but was pulled after three innings. Moore gave up three earned runs on three hits, walked four and recorded two strikeouts. Reliever Chris Knier came on and pitched four solid innings, giving up only one hit, no runs and posted two strikeouts. Knier improved to 3-0 on the season.
FSU coach Link Jarrett was forced to watch most of the game from the clubhouse as he was ejected at the end of the fourth inning after arguing a call.
Jarrett got heated and tried to make his way toward one of the field umpires, who had made an interference call against the Seminoles, and was tossed by the home plate umpire. At the time, Florida State was trailing 4-2. After the game, Jarrett did not address the media.
The Florida State lineup continued its torrid hitting against the Panthers' pitching staff, as catcher Hunter Carns, center fielder Brayden Dowd, designated hitter Nathan Cmeyla and Gabe Fraser all recorded two hits in the victory.
The Seminoles have won 89 percent of their home games and improved to 24-3 there.
The Seminoles have the momentum they need after getting swept by unranked Stanford last weekend. Florida State has two ACC series remaining on their schedule, beginning with a road trip to Clemson (28-20, 8-16) on May 8. Florida State’s record this season away from home is 8-8. Clemson won two games of its three-game series against Boston College this weekend.
But first, Florida State will turn its attention to the Jacksonville Dolphins (26-20, 13-11 ASUN), who visit Dick Howser Stadium for a mid-week game on Tuesday.
How to Watch
Date: Tuesday, May 5
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Location: Dick Howser Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
TV: ACC Network
Radio: 100.7 FM WFLA
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