News Summary
Florida State baseball, ranked No. 5, is gearing up to host No. 3 Clemson in a crucial three-game series this weekend at Dick Howser Stadium. With a 31-9 record, Florida State aims to improve its standing in the ACC after facing recent challenges in the bullpen. The series commences on Friday, May 2, with games scheduled throughout the weekend. Key players and coaching staff are focused on enhancing performance to secure victories and rebound from previous losses. This matchup is vital for both teams as they strive for momentum heading into the remainder of the season.
Tallahassee – No. 5 Florida State baseball is preparing to host No. 3 Clemson in a pivotal three-game series this weekend at Dick Howser Stadium. The highly anticipated matchup begins Friday, May 2, with games scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET on both Friday and Saturday, and a 2:00 p.m. ET start on Sunday.
Florida State, currently boasting a 31-9 overall record and a 12-6 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), faces Clemson, which comes in with a record of 36-10 and a 13-8 in conference play. This weekend’s series represents a critical opportunity for the Seminoles to improve their standing as they have already lost two of their first ranked series of the season against Louisville and in-state rival Florida.
At a recent press conference, members of FSU’s coaching staff discussed the status of key players and the team’s preparation for the series. Pitching coach Micah Posey and assistant coach Brad Vandeglas addressed the ongoing recovery of Cam Leiter, a pitcher who has not taken the mound since March 28. His return to active play this season remains uncertain, although he is making progress in his rehabilitation. In contrast, Connor Hults has been progressing well in his throwing program, with hopes of returning soon, while Joe Charles is available for the weekend after a promising bullpen session.
Florida State’s bullpen has struggled in recent weeks, conceding 14 earned runs in just 4.2 innings over their last two series losses. The team recently experienced a disappointing defeat against Louisville, where they initially led 4-2 before ultimately losing 9-4. Additionally, they faced a run-rule loss of 14-2 in another game, illustrating the necessity for improvement and stability among relief pitchers.
Posey emphasized the importance of starting effectively in the bullpen, particularly in getting the first batter out upon entering the game. The staff has encountered challenges with inconsistency in two-strike pitches and needs to make adjustments to enhance the overall performance of relievers.
In their previous series against Louisville, the Seminoles allowed a staggering 17 stolen bases, 14 of which occurred in a single game. This is an area the coaching staff recognizes needs significant improvement, particularly concerning base-running defense against teams that are aggressive on the bases.
Despite these difficulties, Florida State ranks in the top 10 nationally in RPI and has numerous players excelling in various statistical categories within the ACC. Junior shortstop Alex Lodise stands out with a remarkable .440 batting average and has achieved 14 home runs and 15 doubles this season, leading both the team and the conference.
This weekend’s series against Clemson also presents an opportunity to reaffirm FSU’s home dominance at Dick Howser Stadium, where they hold a strong 20-4 record this season. The pitching staff remains a formidable asset with left-handers Jamie Arnold and Joey Volini, both boasting sub-3.00 earned run averages, crucial for maintaining pressure on the opposing team.
Clemson enters the series following its own struggles, having recently been swept by NC State, marking their first ACC series loss of the season. This creates a competitive backdrop for the matchup that both teams are eager to capitalize on.
Link Jarrett, in his tenure as Florida State’s head coach, has managed to amass an impressive record of 103-57, including a notable appearance in the College World Series. The Sunday game against Clemson may very well hinge on FSU’s ability to stabilize its pitching staff and adapt its approach defensively, while continuing to leverage its strong offensive performance especially from key players like Lodise.
As the series unfolds over the weekend, both teams will be eager to secure victories, not just for conference standings but also for establishing momentum heading deeper into the season.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- NCAA
- Tallahassee.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Clemson baseball
- Google Search: Florida State baseball
