After a magical run two years ago, there would be no postseason magic for the Florida State baseball team this time around. Facing elimination for the first time in the Oxford Regional, the Seminoles seemed well-positioned to once again beat No. 2 seed Southern Miss and advance into the Regional Final, taking a 4-1 lead into the fifth inning.
But for the second straight night, the Seminoles couldn’t hold a lead. This time, though, it wasn’t a few ill-timed defensive mistakes that doomed FSU. Instead, a Southern Miss lineup that had been held in check finally broke through against a Seminole pitching staff that finally showed cracks after a stellar first two games.
The loss ends the Seminoles’ season, Mike Martin Jr.’s first full season atop the program, in the NCAA Tournament Regional round. It’s just the third time since 2007 that FSU’s season has ended short of at least a Super Regional appearance.
Florida State head baseball coach Mike Martin Jr. and an emotional Seminole catcher Matt Nelson spoke with the media postgame to recap the loss and their season. Video is courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics.