TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Behind an outstanding pitching performance by sophomore right hander Luke Weaver, No. 9 Florida State (4-0) held on for the 9-7 victory over Jacksonville (1-3) Wednesday afternoon on Mike Martin Field inside Dick Howser Stadium.
Weaver (1-0) baffled the Dolphin offense for 6.0 innings on Wednesday as the DeLand, Fla., native gave up just one hit and no walks while striking out a career-high nine batters. Weaver allowed just two base runners in his first start of the season as the only hit was a two-out infield single in the second.
The sophomore right hander got off to a great start as he struck out the side in the top of the first. After giving up the infield single to Nathan Koslowski in the second, Weaver retired the next 10 batters that he faced. JU’s Scott Schaub then reached on a throwing error to open the sixth, but Weaver worked around the error recording a strikeout and a pair of fly outs in his final inning of work.
Weaver also received plenty of run support from the Seminole offense as Florida State ran out to a 9-0 advantage after four innings.
Justin Gonzalez gave the Seminoles a 2-0 lead in the third as the senior captain connected on a two-out solo shot to left. The Miami, Fla., native took a 1-1 offering from JU starter Zach Gordon (1-1) out of the park for his second home run of the season and 21st of his career.
Florida State remains at home this weekend for a three-game series against USF. Game one is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. first pitch on Friday, February 22. Friday is also FSU’s ALS Awareness Game.
