The Seminoles entered the eighth inning of their Tallahassee Regional matchup against St. John’s with a 5‑2 advantage, having built that lead on solid hitting and timely pitching.
Turning Points
But the momentum shifted when Chris Knier surrendered a solo homer to Dylan Fitzsimmons, pulling the Red Knights within one, and shortly after John Abraham, still shaking off a May 8 injury, lost command, issuing two wild pitches that allowed runners to advance.
Catcher Hunter Carns failed to keep a pitch in front of him, resulting in a passed ball that tied the game, and later Carter McCulley struck out after a pitch‑clock violation, underscoring the Seminoles’ tightening grip.
St. John’s capitalized in the ninth, with Jayder Raifstanger delivering an RBI single that produced the final 6‑5 score, leaving Florida State stranded with nine baserunners left on base.
Head coach Link Jarrett acknowledged that the opposition deserved the win, yet expressed confidence that the team could rebound in the losers’ bracket, where they are slated to meet either Coastal Carolina or Northern Illinois on Saturday.