FSU baseball (18-2, 3-0 ACC) came into Tuesday's game fresh off its series sweep over the Boston College Eagles. However, the Mercer Bears (15-7) were not impressed as they took an 9-3 win over the Noles.
FSU lost its midweek starting pitcher, Evan Chrest, last week against the Florida Gators. Link Jarrett chose to go with the Johnny Wholestaff approach with Payton Manca as the starter.
Manca only lasted one inning, allowing three earned runs on one hit and two walks. Joe Charles came in relief and wasn't any better. Charles allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk in 1.1 innings.
FSU used seven pitchers, allowing nine hits, EIGHT walks, and striking out 10.
I mentioned not to get too giddy after the offensive performance against Boston College because their pitching wasn't great. Mercer has better pitching and it showed:
Opposing batters were hitting .248 against Mercer pitchers coming into the game 👇👇 https://t.co/XpZj43EiuL
— Kelvin Hunt (@khchopchat) March 19, 2025
FSU batters only had three hits, four walks, and 14 strikeouts. FSU batters were undisciplined, swinging at balls outside the strike zone while watching several strike threes. Mercer scored six runs in the first three innings and completely took FSU out of the game.
It wasn't until Max William's three-run home run in the bottom of the sixth that FSU began to find some momentum. However, Mercer scored a run in the top of the seventh to put a stop to that.
Fire us up, Max!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CNNfuV6P4q
— FSU Baseball (@FSUBaseball) March 19, 2025
Main Takeaways
FSU will likely struggle in midweek games until they can find a consistent starter until Chrest returns(if he does at all). The midweek pitching doesn't concern me because the starting pitchers on the weekends have been excellent and will be the guys starting in the postseason. Link Jarrett seems to have the bullpen roles defined once those starting pitchers leave the game. However, if those starting pitchers don't stay healthy, that would be a major concern.
The offense continues to be a work in progress, especially when they face anyone with decent pitching. It's similar to the softball team. I can't trust the offense until they prove they can score runs against good pitching. Also, Mercer beat FSU last year, so don't get too worked up about the loss.
FSU played poorly and will lose baseball games when that happens.