Corey Dowlar, Warchant.com
http://floridastate.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1067075
Aesthetically pleasing it was not, but
Florida State again found themselves in the win column on Wednesday.
The Seminoles overcame four errors, early walks, and a three-run deficit
to defeat the visiting Stetson Hatters 14-7 in a three hour and thirty
minute contest.
Catcher Parker Brunelle was the primary benefactor of the Hatters’
wayward pitching registering a career-high four hits and three RBI from
the plate. His five plate appearances, also a career-high, saw his
average skyrocket from .174 to .286.
“We wanted to get a few guys a game off, particularly Stuart Tapley and
Rafael Lopez,” said head coach Mike Martin. “Certainly, Rafael’s
replacement just really took the bull by the horns. What a great night
he had.”
Brunelle, who’s previous career-high was two hits in a game, doubled his
tally with two doubles off the right field fence. Both shots could very
well have exited the ball park if there wasn’t a 30-foot fence standing
so selfishly in the way.
Despite his great individual performance, Brunelle was only excited to
help his team out en route to another victory.
“It was a great win for us after a couple of nail-biters against North
Carolina,” Brunelle said. “To get one here was a good feeling. I was
happy to help the team a little bit.
“I think it (right field fence) robbed me of one, but I am happy with my
two doubles.”
Starting pitcher Robert Benincasa never really got going for the
Seminoles completing only two full innings on the hill. It was the
opposing hitters that presented the biggest problem though as Benincasa
struggled with his command issuing two walks and was a victim of an
error.
Tallahassee native Tyler Everett stepped in admirably in the third
inning pitching a season-high four and one-thirds innings. The junior
right hander allowed one unearned run on two hits, walked one, and
struck out two facing 16 batters.
For his performance, Everett earned his second win of the season
improving to 2-0.
“Tyler Everett was the story,” said Martin. “To come in when he did and
hold them. He pitched extremely well. I think he walked a run in, of
course, that wasn’t his, but he still pitched an excellent ball game. He
deserved the win. If anyone deserved the win it was him.
With Benincasa in trouble early in the third inning, Everett was forced
to warm up in a relative hurry. A few pitches and a walk later, the
signal came for the reliever to enter the ball game.
“You have to do what you can to get yourself loose and come into the
ball game,” Everett explained. “Whenever they need you, you don’t have
that much time as a reliever out of the bullpen. You have to deal with
it. I felt like I was ready.”
Sherman Johnson and Sean Gilmartin were the other two hitters besides
Brunelle to plate more than one run on the evening. Johnson’s two RBI
put made him the team leader in the category with 23.
Gilmartin entered the game for Jayce Boyd who suffered an elbow
contusion collected all three of his RBI on one swing as he tripled to
center with bases loaded.
“I was fortunate enough to get a pitch to hit,” said the Friday night
ace. “I put a good swing on it and I was able to find the gap.”
Gilmartin was forced to slide into third to prevent the out at third but
had no hesitation in doing so despite being an extremely valuable
starting pitcher.
“I think it was another opportunity to get a run in,” he said. “It puts
me 90 feet closer. I will definitely take advantage of that especially
when the ball was out in the outfield still.”
Florida State’s win moves the club to 16-4 overall this season as they
prepare to welcome ACC Atlantic Division foe Maryland to Dick Howser
Stadium this weekend for a three game set.
The Seminoles will stick with their normal weekend rotation of
Gilmartin, John Gast, and Geoff Parker for all three games. Friday’s and
Saturday’s contest is scheduled for a 6:00 p.m. start while Sunday’s
finale will begin at 1:00 p.m. |
