The Florida State Seminoles are set to open the Tallahassee Regional against St. John's with transfer pitcher Bryson Moore on the mound. The left‑hander has appeared in 13 games this season, posting a 3.88 earned run average over 62.2 innings while limiting opponents to a .211 batting average. His 5‑2 record and 59 strikeouts underscore a level of control that has helped the Seminoles to an 8‑5 record in his starts.
Saving the ace for Saturday
St. John's arrives in Florida with a potent lineup that averages 6.2 runs per game and hits .279 as a team, posting a .789 OPS. The Red Storm have compiled 50 home runs, 95 doubles and 10 triples, while drawing 244 walks against 392 strikeouts, a combination that makes them one of the most dangerous offenses in the regional.
Coach Link Jarrett has elected to preserve his staff ace, Wes Mendes, for the Saturday showdown, a decision that reflects a pattern of saving the No. 1 starter for the postseason. Mendes, the ACC Pitcher of the Year, has been the cornerstone of the rotation, and his availability could prove decisive in later rounds.
This will mark Moore’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since transferring from Virginia, adding a narrative of redemption to the matchup. The Seminoles hope his experience and recent outings of six and 7.2 innings will give them the length they need to navigate a deep St. John's roster.
If the Seminoles can advance, they will do so with a rotation that blends a reliable mid‑season arm in Moore with the promise of Mendes returning on Saturday. The strategy, honed over three postseason appearances under Jarrett, aims to balance immediate competitiveness with long‑term sustainability.