CWS Primer: Florida State
Is The 21st Time The Charm?
Record: 48-15
Omaha History: 21st CWS appearance, 0 Titles
Team Overview: The Florida State Seminoles can mash the ball with anyone in the country. They feature top tier hitting talent at just about every position on the diamond. They ranked eighth in the country with 437 runs scored this season. They are also a team full of patient batters that know how to get on base. FSU’s .406 on base percentage ranks them seventh in the country. They feature a deep pitching staff with eight pitchers that tossed thirty or more innings this season. It’s also a young pitching staff that relies on two freshman to anchor the starting staff.
Road To Omaha: The Seminoles absolutely bludgeoned their opposition during the NCAA Tournament. They didn’t lose a single game in regional or super regional play. During their two-game sweep of Stanford they outscored the Cardinal 35-8.
Players To Watch: Golden Spikes semifinalist Jayce Boyd is one of the hardest outs in the nation. He hit .389 with four homeruns and 59 RBI. The New York Mets’ draftee could wreak havoc at TD Ameritrade with his gap power and penchant for clutch-hitting. CWS fans are in for a real treat if highly-touted closer Robert Benincasa enters the game. He’s one of the best bullpen arms in the country. He posted a 1.25 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 36 innings of work this season.
Will Take Home The Title If…: If Florida State can ride their super regional hitting momentum into TD Ameritrade they could be a nightmare to deal with. There isn’t an easy out in the entire lineup. They will also need their young pitching staff to rise up to the challenge and continue to deliver. If all of that comes to fruition the Seminoles might finally raise a championship banner.
A Quick Trip If: If freshman pitchers Mike Compton and Brandon Leibrandt fold under the pressure of the first CWS experience it could be a quick two game trip to Omaha for the ‘Noles.
Why Omaha Should Cheer For Them: The Seminoles are the ultimate bridesmaid. They have made 21 appearances in Omaha, and they have never once left with a crown. Ultimate class act Mike Martin deserves a title before he retires.
-Garrett Gordon
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