The No. 10-seeded Florida State Seminoles are set to host the St. John's Red Storm at Dick Howser Stadium on Friday, with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The matchup pits a veteran Seminoles squad, fresh off a 38-17 season, against a Red Storm team that has surged on a five-game winning streak to secure its spot in the NCAA Tournament.
A Postseason Crossroads
Guided by head coach Link Jarrett, Florida State enters the regional final after a modest 0-1 start at the ACC Tournament, a setback that has only sharpened the team’s focus. The Seminoles boast a potent lineup and a pitching staff that has limited opponents to just 5.7 runs per game, positioning them as a serious threat to extend their season beyond the Tallahassee region.
St. John's arrives in Florida riding a hot streak that culminated in a Big East Tournament championship, a victory that earned the Red Storm an automatic bid. Senior catcher Adam Agresi, a first-team All-Big East selection, leads a batting order that averages 6.2 runs per game, while pitcher Liam O'Leary, also an All-Big East first-team honoree, anchors a rotation that has been equally effective on the mound.
For the Seminoles, right-hander Bryson Moore will take the mound, having earned the role of Sunday starter with a 6-2 record and a 3.88 ERA across 62.2 innings this season. Coach Jarrett has indicated that the outing will allow veteran Wes Mendes to be preserved for Saturday’s potential follow-up start, a strategic move aimed at maximizing the team’s depth.
The game will be broadcast nationally on the ACC Network and streamed live on ESPN+, with veteran announcers Daron Vaught and Devon Travis providing the play-by-play from the booth. Fans can also catch the action online via the ESPN+ platform, ensuring a wide reach for what promises to be a high-stakes contest.
The two programs have met only once before, back in 2016 when they played a three-game series in Tallahassee. The Seminoles won the first two games by a combined score of 25-6 before dropping the third, a memory that adds a layer of nostalgia and motivation for both sides as they reconvene on the same diamond.
What’s at Stake
Beyond the immediate regional implications, the victor will gain a decisive advantage in the quest for a berth in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska — a destination that has eluded both schools in recent years. For Jarrett and his staff, a deep postseason run represents the ultimate validation of a season built on resilience, talent, and relentless competition.