FSU baseball looks to keep MCWS dream alive in elimination game against Cavaliers

It's win or go home for FSU baseball on Sunday at 2 p.m. when they play the Virginia Cavaliers in an elimination game. The Noles will try to wash the bad taste of blowing a three-run lead in the ninth inning against Tennessee and defeat Virginia for the second time in less than a month. Jamie Arnold started that game, but the Noles will have to turn to Carson Dorsey on the mound Sunday. Dorsey has had an outstanding postseason but struggled when he appeared in relief against this same Virginia team last month. He faced four batters and allowed a walk, three hits, and four earned runs without recording an out. Virginia is one of the best offensive teams nationally. However, so is FSU, as they showed against Tennessee Friday night. Can Dorsey continue his strong postseason run? He'll need to with FSU using two of its better relief pitchers against Tennessee.

Conner Whittaker will likely not be available, but Brennen Oxford only threw 28 pitches and will have a day of rest so he may be available. Virginia only used two pitchers against North Carolina and will have a fresh bullpen. Virginia only managed five hits and two runs against North Carolina in their College World Series opener. Dorsey has pitched 14 innings this postseason, allowing 13 hits, two earned runs, four walks, and 13 strikeouts. Dorsey will benefit from adequate rest, a large ballpark, and a potent offense behind him. Virginia's best starting pitcher will not be available. FSU blasted 16 hits and scored 12 earned runs against the Cavaliers in their last matchup, and will likely see some of those same pitchers again. That matchup was at Truist Field in Charlotte, which is very different from Omaha. FSU opened as -120 betting favorites and the over/under 12.5 runs. If they can get a good start from Dorsey, they should have a good shot to keep their College World Series alive.