TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — Redshirt senior Chase Haney became the seventh pitcher in FSU history to record 100 relief appearances, throwing two scoreless innings in FSU’s 10-5 series-clinching victory over Cincinnati (0-5). Haney (2-0) has pitched in five of six games in 2020.
No. 14 Florida State (5-1) used a pair of home runs, from Elijah Cabell and Reese Albert, to pull away in the later innings. Cabell homered for the second consecutive game and has seven RBI in the series. He also tied the FSU record with three hit-by-pitches Saturday and has been hit by a pitch five straight games and eight times already in 2020.
Leadoff hitter Tyler Martin had the first three-hit game of his career and Nander De Sedas had two hits, including a two-run single that gave FSU a 5-4 lead in the fifth inning that it did not relinquish. FSU’s three runs in the sixth inning were on Cabell’s home run, and the two runs in the eighth inning were on Albert’s first home run of the season.
Cincinnati held leads of 2-0 and 4-3, but FSU countered to immediately tie or take the lead both times. After allowing a pair of runs in the second inning, FSU tied the game on an RBI single from Carter Smith and a sacrifice bunt from Jackson Greene. Smith’s single scored Robby Martin, who was on third base after his first career triple.
In the fifth inning, Cincinnati retook the lead at 4-3 on an unearned run against Doug Kirkland. Haney replaced Kirkland and did not allow a run in the fifth or sixth innings as FSU stretched its lead to 8-4.
Florida State starter Shane Drohan pitched four innings, giving up four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts.
Antonio Velez allowed a solo home run in two innings pitched; Dylan Simmons closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning, forcing three groundouts to De Sedas at shortstop.
Four Cincinnati players had two hits, including Griffin Merritt, who homered off Velez for his first of the season in the seventh inning.
NOTEWORTHY
- Elijah Cabell hit a three-run home run for the second consecutive game. His nine career home runs are tied for the second-most among active Noles. Reese Albert, who hit his 17th career home run Saturday, leads the team.
- Cabell was hit by a pitch three times Saturday, tying the school record. Cabell is the fifth Nole to get hit three times in a game, joining Nick Derr (2017), Hayden Kelly (2015), Justin Gonzalez (2014) and Karl Jernigan (2001).
- Cabell has been hit by a pitch in five straight games. He has been hit by a pitch five times against Cincinnati (two games).
- Redshirt senior pitcher Chase Haney improved to 2-0 this year, also earning the win against USF. Haney has appeared in 100 games as a relief pitcher, seventh-most in school history. His 100 appearances are 10th on FSU’s total appearances list for a pitcher (including starts).
- Haney has not allowed a run in 7.1 innings over five appearances in 2020.
- Leadoff hitter Tyler Martin notched three hits Saturday, a career high. The freshman is hitting a team-high .467 (7-for-15) on the year.
- FSU pitchers struck out 11 batters Saturday and has reached double-digit strikeouts in all six games this year.
- FSU drew a season-low five walks.
UP NEXT
The Noles and Bearcats close the series Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at Dick Howser Stadium. FSU right-hander Conor Grady is looking for his second win of the season after throwing 5.0 scoreless innings against Niagara last weekend.
Fans can watch the game on ACC Network Extra or listen on the radio in Tallahassee on 106.1 FM or nationwide through the FSU Gameday App.
