Coming off a very good sophomore season, first basemen and designated hitter Quincy Nieporte had Florida State fans expecting big things in his junior season. Unfortunately, his junior campaign has thus far been a shell of last season.
In 2015, Nieporte hit .297 with seven home runs and 48 RBI, which was good for second on an offensive heavy team.
Florida State lost two key contributors in 2015 between Dj Stewart, who was drafted in the first round by the Baltimore Orioles and Chris Marconcini. This kicked the door wide open for Nieporte, allowing him to build on his sophomore season and help lead the Noles to the postseason.
Nieporte was suspended for off the field issues at the start of the season, resulting in him missing out on the first six games of the year.
Florida State opened their season winning five of their first six, scoring 71 runs in those matchups. And this was a lineup that was missing the big bat of Nieporte.
Nieporte’s return had Seminole fans all over excited, but it has not been the one that fans expected. Before the Notre Dame series, Nieporte was batting just .254 with just two lonely home runs and 18 RBI. Although things could be headed in a positive direction for the 6’1” righty out of Atlanta Georgia.
“I haven’t had the season many anticipated me having or that I have wanted,” Nieporte said.
In three games against Notre Dame, Nieporte batted .500 while hitting three home runs, three doubles, and collected 10 RBI.
Nieporte’s hot weekend pushed his average up to .273. He now has five home runs, good for third on the team. While he has driven in 28 runs.
“It was weird hitting it hard and someone not being there to catch it,” Nieporte commented.
While it has not been the season he has wanted it to be, Nieporte has been putting the ball in play all season. In 121 at-bats Nieporte has been sat down on strikes just six times
“It has been frustrating. I’ve been hitting it hard. There’s just been gloves where I hit it.” Nieporte said. He went on to say, “I haven’t changed my approach or swing. The biggest thing that changes is your confidence.”
With Florida State in the middle of conference play and looking forward to postseason baseball, the addition of a hot Nieporte bat would add a huge spark to a Noles lineup that has been able to score 11 or more runs in 15 different games.
The Seminoles have had one of the best offenses in the country without Nieporte contributing much up to this point. Cal Raleigh, John Sansone, and Taylor Walls have all been putting together phenomenal seasons. If Nieporte can continue to play at the level he has against Notre Dame, the Seminoles will receive a huge offensive boost to carry them through the remainder of the season.
