Friday night in Tallahassee, the Florida State baseball team will open the ACC Tournament quarterfinals against the University of Pittsburgh, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 p.m. The Seminoles enter the game fresh off a dominant home sweep of the Panthers three weeks earlier, a contest that ended 24‑10 in their favor.
Taking the mound for the Seminoles will be ace left‑hander Wes Mendes, who was crowned ACC Pitcher of the Year after a season that includes a 2.68 earned run average over 84 innings. Mendes is coming off his first career nine‑inning complete game against Pitt on May 2, a performance that showcased his ability to dominate opposing lineups.
Mendes' Mastery Sets the Tone
This season Mendes has struck out 109 batters while walking only 23, and opponents are hitting a mere .201 against him. He sits at 3‑3 over 14 starts, but his recent complete game has raised expectations that he can shut down the Panthers’ offense once again.
Pittsburgh, seeded 14th, has fought its way through the bracket by defeating both Louisville and Wake Forest, two programs that have traditionally been strong ACC opponents. The Panthers will look to exploit any fatigue in the Seminoles’ rotation as they aim for an upset.
If the game extends, Florida State may turn to right‑hander Trey Beard for a potential second start, a move that could provide fresh arms late in the tournament. Coach Link Jarrett and pitching coach Drew Parrish have emphasized depth and flexibility as the team pushes toward the semifinals.
Should the Seminoles advance, they are set to meet the winner of the North Carolina versus Virginia Tech matchup, a prospect that adds another layer of intrigue to an already competitive tournament. The stakes are high, and the performance of Mendes will likely be a decisive factor.