TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A five-run seventh inning by Virginia Tech (15-13, 6-4) was too much to overcome Friday night as No. 9 Florida State (20-7, 7-3) fell to the Hokies 8-3 in the opening game of a three-game series on Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium.
The Hokies then took advantage of a few walks and a couple misplays in the seventh to break the game open en route to their third straight victory over the Seminoles dating back to 2013.
“Things got away from us,” said Florida State head coach Mike Martin on the five-run seventh for the Hokies. “Big innings normally occur as a result of an error or walks and we contributed to both of those areas in that inning.”
Virginia Tech started the inning with back-to-back base hits from Mac Caples and Andrew Mogg off FSU starter Boomer Biegalski. After a sac-bunt moved both runners 90 feet, Biegalski unleashed a wild pitch to score Caples and give the Hokies a 3-2 lead.
Martin then went to the bullpen and called on Dylan Silva, who walked the first two batters that he faced before issuing an RBI single through the right side to Alex Perez. Brendon Hayden then recorded a sac-fly followed by a two-run double to the gap in right center by Erik Payne to break the game wide open.
Virginia Tech starting pitcher Sean Keselica worked 7.0 strong innings allowing two runs on four hits as he walked four and struck out nine to move to 4-1 on the year.
“That guy threw really well tonight,” said Chris Marconcini. “He kept us off-balanced all game.”
Florida State and Virginia Tech return to the field for game two of the series on Saturday, March 28 at 6 pm.
*FSU Sports Information
