The University of Florida (50-14) has had their way with the Seminoles (41-20) the past few seasons. The Gators have beaten FSU fives times in a row, 10 of the last 12, and they also beat the Seminoles in a Super Regional last season.
Florida State, who is looking to turn that trend around and punch their ticket to the College World Series for the first time since 2012 turned to Drew Carlton (8-3) to get the job done in game one, Carlton answered the call with ease. Throwing a complete game shutout, while retiring the last 19 batters he faced. The sophomore righty only allowed two hits and no walks.
FSU has not had a starter throw a complete game this season, so to expect the first one to come against the best team in college baseball was not anticipated but it was much needed. Florida State does not have much bullpen depth, and the Seminoles will turn to two freshmen starters in the next two games if a third is necessary. Now the Seminoles will be able to throw their best tomorrow and not have to worry about burning them in the first game of the series.
Carlton’s performance will go down as one of the best in FSU history especially if FSU can close this Super out and advance to the College World Series. The confidence and momentum that Carlton provided in game was is beyond huge for such a young team.
When the last out was retired you could see the excitement and realization on the Florida State players faces that they could not only hang with the Gators, but they could beat them.
Post-Season college baseball is about getting hot at the right time, we saw that last season with Virginia barely making the ACC tournament then going on to win it all. This FSU team is doing just that. Winning eight of their last nine matchups including two matchups with Miami and now adding Florida to the list.
Mike Martin has said all season, momentum is your next days starter. Well, freshmen Tyler Holton has been arguable the best pitcher on the team as of late. Holton has shut the door on Miami twice this season. He also got the win against Southern Mississippi to advance FSU into the regional championship game.
The team that wins game one of the Super Regional advances to Omaha 78 percent of the time. Florida State still has a lot of baseball ahead of them before they can turn their attention to Omaha, but Drew Carlton put the Seminoles in the drives seat with the performance of a lifetime tonight.
