FSU baseball: Noles look to win Sunday rubbermatch against Clemson

FSU baseball (24-14, 11-9 ACC) has been in a tight battle against the Clemson Tigers in the first two games. The Tigers have struck first, scoring in the bottom of the first inning in both games before the FSU offense responds to take a lead of their own.

FSU held a 4-2 lead going into the bottom of the eighth of game one before losing 6-4. A James Tibbs pinch-hit home run broke a 3-3 tie in the top of the sixth that eventually led to a 4-3 ‘Noles win in game two.

The series has played out like I thought it would for the most part. Clemson relies on the home run to stay in games, and the FSU offense has some success against their pitching. Five of Clemson’s 14 hits have been home runs, and they have put the ball in play more than I expected. Sunday’s game will likely be more of the same, with FSU sending Carson Montgomery to the mound for his first ACC start this year.

If Montgomery is sharp like he has been in his last few outings? FSU should have a decided advantage.

The key will be pitching ahead in the count and keeping runners off base. That helps limit the damage if Clemson does leave the yard, as Bryce Hubbart proved Saturday. He allowed three home runs, but they were all solo shots and kept the Noles in the game.

FSU’s offense has had some solid at-bats, despite Logan Lacey and Alex Toral combining to go 0-12 with nine strikeouts so far. Clemson’s usual Sunday starter, Nick Clayton, brings an ERA of 5.65 into the game.

Batters hit .289 against him, and he has 22 strikeouts against 13 walks in 28.2 innings. FSU should find some success against him either by swinging it or showing patience at the plate with the number of walks he issues.

A win Sunday would be huge for FSU baseball as they look to finish strong down the stretch. The game will start at 1 p.m. and air on the ACCNX channel.