FSU baseball: Noles host Jacksonville looking to match last year's win total

FSU baseball (22-4, 5-4 ACC) had a great week last week, defeating rival Florida for the second time and winning its ACC series against Louisville. It was a great response after gifting Clemson two games and getting swept in a three-game series the week before. FSU is playing five games this week, two midweek games, and traveling to Boston College for an ACC matchup. The first game will be hosting the Jacksonville Dolphins on Tuesday at 6 p.m. It'll be a rematch from earlier this season, which saw the Noles defeat Jacksonville 7-4 on the road. The two teams have gone in different directions since, with the Dolphins holding a (13-14, 7-2 ASUN) record. Jacksonville has had two big losing streaks, one that lasted five games, and another that lasted six straight. However, they won their three-game series against Central Arkansas last weekend.

They had an opportunity to go for the sweep but lost the Sunday contest. Conner Whittaker was the starting pitcher for the Noles in their last matchup, but that won't be the case Tuesday night. It'll likely be pitcher via committee with another game on Wednesday and the three-game series against Boston College. Jacksonville always plays FSU tough, and the first game was no different as they battled back from a 4-1 deficit to tie the game in the sixth before FSU scored three in the ninth to seal the win. Conner Dorsey had a big showing in relief, striking out 10 batters. Jacksonville's Richard Long pitched in the first game but threw seven innings against Central Arkansas on Saturday. The Dolphins will likely take a pitcher via a committee approach. FSU has the better offense and defense, but this game will come down to if FSU's pitchers throw strikes and avoid a walk-fest. If they throw strikes, FSU should be fine in this one. If not, Jacksonville is scrappy enough to scratch out a win. It's amazing FSU is already in position to match last year's entire win total in less than 30 games.