FSU Baseball: Noles Advance to ACC Championship For Third Straight Year

FSU baseball won their fifth straight game on Saturday when the Noles beat Duke to advance to Sunday’s ACC championship final.

FSU baseball has not had the type of season they hoped for in 2017. However, the Noles find themselves one win away from becoming champions of the ACC after clinching a birth in their third straight ACC tournament final. FSU’s five game winning streak has improved their overall record to 38-20. FSU was almost certain to end their streak of 40 win-seasons, that mark is now a real possibility. It also seemed as if FSU was dead in the water in regards to hosting a regional, that too is now a distinct possibility, especially with one more win on Sunday.

Semifinal Recap

FSU faced off against the Duke Blue Devils in the semi-finals of the ACC tournament on Saturday. The Noles were impressive and thorough on their way to a 5-1 victory. FSU outhit Duke 11-5 and the Noles played error free baseball on the day.

FSU starting pitcher Cole Sands made his best start of the season for the Noles. The sophomore pitched 6 2/3 allowing just two hits while racking up eight strike outs to zero walks. It’s likely Sands could have gone further as he was cruising when the game went into a rain delay in the 7th inning.

The Noles started the scoring early with a two runs first inning thanks to a double from Dylan Busby followed by a triple from Jackson Lueck who was driven in by a Quincy Nieporte ground out.

Busby did even more damage in the third with a rocket two-run shot, he followed that up in the fourth with an RBI double and stolen base.

Busby was 3-5 with three RBI while Jackson Lueck continued to swing a hot bat with two hits and an RBI of his own.

ACC Championship Preview – UNC

Not to pat myself on the back, but way back in the pre season I predicted an FSU baseball vs North Carolina ACC championship game (don’t ask me about the rest of my predictions). After disposing of each other’s rival the Seminoles and Tar Heels will meet for the ACC championship at noon on Sunday. I actually wanted an FSU vs Miami final, but Miami didn’t hold up there end of the bargain as UNC won 12-4.

More from FSU Baseball

After the season they had, it’s no surprise the Tar Heels advanced to the championship. North Carolina carries a record of 46-11 while having the number 2 RPI in the country. FSU is a little bit more of a surprise after a mediocre regular season in the ACC. The Noles are getting hot at the right time though as they’ve won five in a row, three of those against a top five Louisville squad.

FSU and North Carolina met in the regular season. It was the height of turmoil for FSU as they suffered a home sweep to North Carolina. If you recall, this is the series that Taylor Walls was suspended in. FSU is a much different team now and they’ll look to show it on Sunday. North Carolina enters the game with a team slash line of .284/.386/.437. The Heels have 53 homers in their 57 games.

Junior shortstop and Orlando native Logan Warmoth (brother of Tyler, who pitched last season for the Seminoles) is the leading hitter for the Heels. Warmoth has a slash line of .347/.417/.567. The junior also leads UNC with home runs with nine on the season. UNC has a great team ERA of 2.87. Luckily for the Notes they won’t have to face ace J.B. Bukuaskus as the top prospect pitched Friday in UNC’s victory over NC State.

Where to Watch

You don’t have to head to a regional sports network for this one, as the title game will be carried on ESPN2 with first pitch scheduled for 12 p.m. In Tallahassee, you can listen to the game on 106.1 FM.

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