FSU baseball had their backs against the wall, but four straight victories have the Noles advancing to host a super regional.
FSU baseball did not make it easy on themselves, but the Noles battled back from an opening loss to win the Tallahassee regional. The Noles played four straight elimination games, including a double header on Sunday on their way to the regional title.
After a bonkers finish to Sunday night’s game against Auburn, both teams figured to be short on pitching in Monday’s winner take all game. FSU starter Will Zirzow eased those concerns with a truly remarkable outing.
Entering the game Zirzow hadn’t pitched in nearly a month and he had never gone more than five innings. On Monday night, when FSU needed him the most, Zirzow came up with 9 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 K’s. Zirzow allowed just two singles and a hit by pitch. What a gutsy performance, one that will go down in FSU lore.
The Noles jumped on Auburn early with two runs in the first inning thanks to a Busby RBI double and a Cal Raleigh RBI ground out. FSU’s bats would cool off for a long stretch of the game, giving Noles fans an uneasy feeling.
More from FSU Baseball
- FSU baseball: USF transfer Daniel Cantu commits to the Noles
- FSU baseball: Noles announce Ty Megahee as Recruiting Coordinator
- FSU baseball: Wyatt Crowell selected with No. 127 pick in 2023 MLB Draft
- FSU baseball: Jackson Baumeister drafted No. 63 overall impact
- FSU baseball: Alabama transfer Jaxson West commits to the Noles
Late in the game FSU started to put up some runs. With runners on 2nd and 3rd with two outs in the top of the 7th, Auburn attempted a pick off to 2nd, an errant throw gave FSU their third run.
In the 8th FSU would tack on two more runs thanks to RBI doubles from Quincy Nieporte and Drew Mendoza. Finally Steven Wells Jr. capped off the scoring with a solo shot to left in the top of the 9th inning.
Surprise surprise, the leading hitters for FSU baseball were Dylan Busby and Jackson Lueck. Busby had a 2-4 night with an RBI and a run scored. Jackson Lueck was 2-3 with a run of his own.
What a run for FSU as the Noles have now won 18 of their last 20 games. Because Sam Houston State won the Lubbock regional, the Noles will face them in Super Regional play this weekend.
FSU could not have asked for a better situation as they are now likely to host said super regional. Not too long ago we were questioning the Noles ability to make the post season, now they’re two wins away from the College World Series.
Check in this week for more information on the Super Regional round.