Five reasons FSU baseball beats Oregon State and three reasons they could lose

The good and the bad.
May 24, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles pitcher Jamie Arnold (16) in the third inning against the Virginia Cavaliers during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
May 24, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles pitcher Jamie Arnold (16) in the third inning against the Virginia Cavaliers during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
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No. 1 Offensive Speed

FSU has a clear advantage in terms of offensive speed. The Noles showed they can put pressure on teams when they want in the regional, swiping 68 of 84 bases this season. Oregon State was only 35 of 50 in stolen bases.

The difference in speed showed up in another important area. The Noles only grounded into 20 double plays all season, and Oregon State grounded into 44. Teams that don't put pressure on FSU on the bases depend on power and stringing hits together, and that's usually not a winning recipe(ask Mississippi State).

No. 2 Oregon State Willing To Play Small Ball

FSU has 10 sacrifice bunts all season, and the inability to execute likely cost the Noles a game against North Carolina in the ACC Tournament.

Oregon State has 31 sacrifice bunts this season. FSU is on par with Oregon State defensively, and FSU pitchers rank 10th nationally in strikeouts per nine innings. It's likely not a high percentage play to risk giving up outs against a pitching staff who can punch batters out via the strikeout and have a solid defense behind them.