The No. 11 Florida State baseball squad traveled to face rival Miami in a high-stakes series, entering the game with a potent lineup and a pitching staff that had been dominant early in the season.
A five-run hole emerges
Starting pitcher Wes Mendes surrendered four runs in the fourth, and Rob Evans, who had tossed seven strong innings, was pulled after Miami built a 6-1 lead in the eighth. Lyndon Glidewell’s relief appearance saw back-to-back homers from John Stuetzer and Brayden Dowd, sparking a glimmer of hope for the Seminoles.
The ninth inning turned into a showcase of resilience; Eli Putnam launched a monster home run to tie the game, while Gabe Fraser, Ben Barrett and Carter McCulley delivered clutch hits that kept the rally alive.
With the bases loaded, Brayden Dowd’s walk-off walk sent Ben Barrett home, sealing an 11-inning victory that sent the crowd into a wild celebration.
The win not only reversed the scoreboard but also secured a Top 4 seed in the ACC Tournament, positioning Florida State favorably for the postseason.
Key contributors such as Chris Knier, who struck out five in two hitless innings, and relievers Cade O’Leary and Kevin Mebil, who kept Miami in check, highlighted the depth of the Seminoles’ roster.
Alonzo Alvarez, Hunter Carns and other position players added multiple-hit performances, underscoring the team’s collective effort.