The No. 10 Florida State Seminoles opened the Tallahassee Regional with a 5-2 lead over St. John's Red Storm at Dick Howser Stadium, but the advantage evaporated in the eighth inning as the Red Storm mounted a four-run rally that turned a comfortable margin into a 6-5 defeat.
Key moments in the eighth
Relievers Chris Knier and John Abraham surrendered three runs in that decisive frame, while starter Bryson Moore had already given up two runs on six hits with six strikeouts before being pulled in the sixth.
FSU left nine runners on base and turned two double plays, squandering multiple chances to extend the lead despite a potent lineup that kept the pressure on St. John's throughout the game.
Defensive highlights and setbacks
John Stuetzer made several key defensive plays, including a throw out at third and a diving save that preserved runs, but the team also saw left fielder Lewis Rodriguez exit with an injury in the second inning.
What lies ahead
Coach Link Jarrett now faces a tight schedule, needing to win four games over the next three days to keep the Seminoles alive in the regional, a task that will test the depth of a roster that includes players such as Eli Putnam, Brodie Purcell and Carter McCulley.
The loss marks the first regional setback for the Seminoles under Link Jarrett, and it underscores the volatility of college baseball where even strong early performances can evaporate in the late innings.