A Narrow Defeat in the Regional Opener
The Seminoles fell 6‑5 to St. John's in their opening regional contest, squandering a 5‑2 advantage that had seemed secure heading into the eighth inning. A late rally by the Red Storm erased the lead, leaving Florida State scrambling for answers.
The offensive firepower that had carried the team through much of the season has been blunted by the season‑ending injury to Myles Bailey, whose absence has forced the lineup to adjust under pressure.
John Stuetzer provided a spark with a solo home run in the first inning, but the bullpen could not hold the advantage. Veteran reliever John Abraham entered the game but ultimately gave up the tying runs, underscoring the fragility of the pitching staff.
Elimination Game Looms
Now the focus shifts to an elimination showdown against Coastal Carolina, scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern. The winner will advance, while the loser sees its season end, adding urgency to the next matchup.
Head coach Link Jarrett is acutely aware of the stakes and has been emphasizing discipline at the plate. He will need to lean on the remaining hitters to generate runs against a pitching staff anchored by top prospect Cameron Flukey.
Flukey, who entered the tournament with a 0‑2 record and a 4.35 ERA this year, previously posted an 8‑2 record and a 3.19 ERA in 2025, striking out 118 batters. His recent struggles notwithstanding, he remains one of the nation’s most feared arms, a challenge that also brings out the best of Florida State’s own ace, Wes Mendes.
Both teams are aware that a delay could affect the start time, but the Seminoles are determined to stay focused and avoid an early season exit.