Seminoles' surging pitching and recent ACC dominance clash with struggling Gators. Can FSU finally conquer their rivals at home?
No. 5 Florida State will find out Tuesday if the third time is a charm when the Seminoles host the No. 21 Florida Gators.
Of these two teams' three meetings this season, it will be the first time the Gators have visited Dick Howser Stadium. The second-most played rivalry in Seminoles sports history will not disappoint.
In the first two meetings, Florida State (24-7, 9-3 ACC) was outscored 11-3 by Florida (24-9, 7-5 SEC), including a 5-0 loss to the Gators in Jacksonville. It was the only shutout loss of the season for the Seminoles.
Florida State is coming off its fourth consecutive ACC series win over then 10th-ranked Virginia. The Seminoles outscored the Cavaliers by a combined 14-5 runs in Games 2 and 3 to take the series.
It was Florida State’s best showing in ACC play since its 9-2 conference record to start the 2016 season. The Seminoles will look to carry their recent momentum into their battle with the Gators.
By contrast, Florida has lost three of its last four games, including a loss to Jacksonville last Tuesday. Over the weekend, the Gators lost their conference series against the Ole Miss Rebels (22-11, 5-7 SEC).
The Gators are led by infielder Brendan Lawson (.352 BA/1.358 OPS/.802 slugging percentage). Lawson leads the team with 11 home runs and 31 RBI. In addition, Lawson has eight stolen bases, four doubles and two triples.
On the mound, Florida is led by Liam Peterson (1-2) and Aidan King (4-2). Peterson’s ERA is 4.03, with 62 strikeouts and 25 walks. He has not given up a home run all season. So far, Peterson has not lived up to the hype after being listed as 13th among MLB's top-100 prospects in the preseason.
King has posted a 1.62 ERA and 41 strikeouts. Against King, the ball has left the yard only once this season.
As a team, Florida State is batting .284 (12th in the ACC) with 38 home runs. Catcher Hunter Carns leads the team, batting .351. Freshmen DH Kelvyn Paulino and outfielder John Stuetzer are tied for the lead with 27 hits apiece.
Chase Williams is trouble on the base paths with nine stolen bases in 11 attempts. Outfielder Brayden Dowd leads all active Seminoles players with six home runs, 24 RBI and a .325 batting average.
At this moment in the season, the strength of this Florida State team is its pitching staff. The Seminoles rank second in the ACC with a 3.90 ERA, and allow a batting average of just .213.
The momentum Florida State is carrying into this rivalry game cannot be overstated and could be the knockout punch the Noles need to get over the hump and get that elusive victory over one of their most hated rivals.
How to Watch
Date: Tuesday, April 7
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Dick Howser Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida
TV: ESPN2
Radio: 100.7 FM WFLA
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