The FSU Club Baseball team finished their 2018 campaign with a 25-6 (10-2) record, a South Atlantic Conference championship, and an NCBA World Series appearance! The Noles had a total of 11 players make the South Atlantic All-Region teams, as well as 3 All-Americans in Tim Becker, Clay Gilman, and Josuan Suarez.

Thanks to all the seniors for their hard work and energy over the course of this season and the past few years! Good luck in your post-FSU Club Baseball careers Joey Daidone, Timmy Delph, Clay Gilman, Ryan McElroy, Matt McSoley, and our Nicaraguan prince Josuan Suarez!

Shoutout to all the families, friends, fans, and players (past and present) that supported our program this year! You all play an instrumental part in the success of this program and we truly appreciate it.

The Noles are looking forward to picking up right where we left off when Fall 2018 rolls around. FSU Club Baseball will be back before you know it.

Go Noles!

It was a warm weekend in Miami for the Noles as they headed down to play the Hurricanes in a three-game conference series.  The Saturday double-header was being played in South Beach and the Seminoles were excited to take it all in.  Andrew Kunkler came out to start it for the Noles in gold and was in control once again.  Although Kunkler did allow his first earned run of the season, he still went the distance and picked up his sixth consecutive victory to stay unbeaten on the year.  Hurricane batters struggled to put the bat on the ball as Kunkler allowed just four hits and seven baserunners.  The commanding performance was essential for the Noles, as the bats didn’t seem to travel down to Miami.  Miami jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second, but the Seminoles countered back with three runs scored by Clay Gilman, Tim Becker, and Brett Gilman, two of which were driven in by a Sean McClaskie rope.  Brett Gilman came around to score again for the Seminoles in the fifth after a clutch double to take a lead that they would not relinquish.  Although the Seminoles took Game 1 with a score 4-2, Florida State was held to a season low in runs scored at just four.

Game 2 saw the Seminole offense come out with a vengeance.  After scoring five runs in the top of the first inning, first time starting pitcher Evan Cannan was able to settle in and throw a quality three innings of zero hit baseball.  Although he lacked control at times and allowed five walks, Cannan was able to strand all but one of the baserunners for just one earned run because he matched those walks with 5 strikeouts.  Carmelo Barone took over in inning number four and threw two innings, giving up one earned run on a pair of hits and walks.  Barone recorded three strikeouts in his two innings of work and was relieved by Brett Carter in the bottom of the sixth.  Carter came in and was lights out for the Noles as the closer.  Brett faced the minimum of three batters and recorded a strikeout in his one inning of work.  Brett Gilman headlined the offensive output as he went 2-3 with a double, two runs scored, and three runs driven in.  Matthew McSoley and Sam Nadel contributed two hits a piece as well and also both scored twice.  The Seminole offense broke out of its one game slump and again broke the ten-run plateau for a 12-2 victory over the Hurricanes in Game 2 of the Saturday double-header.

The third game was controlled by FSU pitching from the get-go.  Jacob Wright was the Seminole starter and he evaded bats all afternoon as he pitched four innings of two-hit baseball, letting just one unearned run cross the plate.  Jacob built on his last start and has had two great starts in a row.  Wright was relieved by Etienne Maldonado, who again recorded strikeouts on more than half of the outs he recorded.  Maldonado threw just one inning, but struck out two batters of the four he faced.  Ray Espinosa took over for inning number six and performed admirably, facing just three batters in the sixth and did not let a baserunner reach first-base.  With the Noles up big, only seven innings were needed so Keaton Cederstrom came in to close out game number three and shut the door on the Hurricanes to complete the three game sweep.  Cederstrom allowed zero runs in his one inning of work.  It was all hands on deck for the Seminole offense in game three with nearly every rostered player seeing the field.  Timothy Becker and Sean McClaskie were fantastic at the plate, Becker going three of four with a pair of triples, runs, and RBIs while McClaskie recorded three hits in five at-bats and scored twice.  Game two starting pitcher Evan Cannan earned the start out in left field and he stroked the baseball for two hits, two runs, and an RBI.  Ryan McElroy, Tim McSoley, and Paul Giaquinto all recorded hits for the Noles as the offense kept rolling and propelled the Seminoles to a 12-1 victory and a sweep of conference foe Miami.

Offensive Player of the Series: Brett Gilman

The fifth year masters of accounting student was phenomenal at the plate this weekend.  Brett hit .500 with five hits, four runs, five RBIs, and a pair of doubles.  Gilman reached base seven times this weekend in twelve plate-appearances and helped guide the Noles to a fifth straight sweep of the Hurricanes in his tenure with the Florida State Club Baseball squad.

Pitcher of the Series:  Andrew Kunkler and Brett Carter

Andrew Kunkler has become a steady presence on the pitcher of the series list, but Kunkler earned it this weekend going the full seven innings and getting the complete game victory for the Seminoles.  While Kunkler did allow his first earned run of the year, he dominated Canes’ hitters and muscled the Seminoles to a 4-2 victory.  Brett Carter earns the other pitcher of the series with his perfect performance in the final inning of the Noles’ ten-run victory in Game 2.  Carter varied his arm slots and fooled the Miami batters, striking out one and not letting any reach base.

Unfortunately last week President Gilman was very busy with his duties, so we were unable to put out a weekend wrap-up for our series with Florida Gulf Coast University.  Luckily for you all, there will be two weekend write-ups this week!  Today we will release the FGCU story, and later in the week we will release our Miami weekend results.  Thanks Seminoles Club Baseball fans, you guys rule!

The Eagles of Florida Gulf Coast came into Tallahassee for the first time since 2014 for a bout with your Florida State Seminoles on the weekend of March 25^th and 26^th.  Andrew Kunkler was electric in Game 1 for the Noles, throwing yet again another complete game shutout and picking up his fifth win of the season.  The Eagles were stifled all game, managing just three baserunners all on singles and all stranded on base.  Kunkler struck out six batters, three looking, and was every bit the ace he has been all season long.  The Seminoles offense did the rest, providing ten runs of support and ending the game early with a ten-run rule victory after six innings of play.  Seven of the nine Seminoles batters scored runs, with Brett Gilman, Josuan Suarez, and Sean Malynn all scoring twice.  Tim Becker and Clay Gilman picked up three hits each and combined for three RBI’s and a pair of runs.  Nathan Grant was an on-base machine yet again, reaching base three of four times with a pair of walks and a base hit.  Jake Jacobs reached base three times with a pair of singles and another hit-by-pitch, scoring once and driving in a baserunner.  When all was said and done, the Noles walked it off on an infield single by Clay Gilman to take Game 1 by a score of 10-0. 

Heading into Game 2, the Noles were riding high, but the Eagles had other plans.  After getting down 4-1 early, Gulf Coast worked their way back into it with timely hitting against the Noles starting pitcher Keaton Cederstrom and were able to force him from the game after three innings and a 5-4 FSU lead.  Chase Doczi was the next FSU pitcher to enter the game, but had little success quelling the Eagles’ bats as they knocked in three more runs and took a 7-5 lead with Evan Cannan coming on to relieve.  Cannan was able to quiet FGCU’s offense allowing just one earned run in two and a third innings of work, but he too struggled a bit with command leading to freshman Sam Nadel taking over pitching duties in the top of the seventh with one out, tied at eight a piece.  Nadel wasn’t phased at all by the pressure and recorded two fly outs to end the inning and strand two for Gulf Coast.  The Noles’ bats were active early as they came out of the gate in the bottom of the first with four quick runs.  After scoring just one run from the second to the fifth inning, the Seminoles’ bats awoke again in the sixth tying the game at eight behind clutch walks by Corey Nevers and Josuan Suarez which led to RBI singles by both Clay Gilman and Tim Becker who drove in two.  Heading into the bottom of the seventh tied at eight, Ray Espinosa walked to lead off the inning and was lifted for Sean Malynn to pinch run.  After a Nathan Grant walk and a Malynn steal of third, Jake Jacobs came up to the plate needing just a single to bring home the winning run.  With the count 0-2, Jacobs dug down deep and ripped a single up the middle to bring in Malynn for the walk-off victory!  Ray Espinosa was the player of the game after he started as the clean-up hitter and went 3-3 with a run scored.

After taking both games in the Saturday double-header, it would have been easy for the Noles to relax in this non-conference matchup, but Sunday starter Jacob Wright had no intention of letting off the gas pedal.  Wright gave the Seminoles his best start of the season allowing just three earned runs and just six baserunners in his five innings of work.  After taking the first two innings to settle down, Wright controlled the game flawlessly in the third, fourth, and fifth innings allowing no earned runs and just one hit.  Pitch count led to a change in the sixth inning with Etienne “ET” Maldonado coming out of the bullpen to relieve Jacob.  ET’s fastball was too much for FGCU to handle as he recorded six outs and five of them were set down on strikes.  The Noles pitching did way more than enough for the offense to take care of the rest.  Sean McClaskie led the offense with a 4-4 day, adding two runs, two RBI’s, and two doubles.  Josuan Suarez, Sam Nadel, and Nathan Grant added to the offensive charge with two hits a piece and a combined five runs scored and four runs batted in.  Sean Paul Perry excelled with a pair of hits, one being a double, and two runs to go along with an RBI.  Brett Gilman also played well adding his first homerun of the season on a solo shot in the fourth inning. The Noles overwhelmed the Eagles as they went on to win with a score of 13-3 after just 7 innings of play. 

Offensive Players of the Series:  Timothy Becker and Clay Gilman

Becker and Gilman reached base a combined fifteen times in three games, scoring seven times and driving in nine runs.  Becker went 7-11 with one walk and Gilman went 5-10 with two walks and a pair of stolen bases.  Each recorded a double on the weekend and were solid at the top of the lineup providing the Noles with much needed stability on offense.

Pitchers of the Series:  Andrew Kunkler, ET Maldonado, and Jacob Wright

Kunkler was again dominant for the Noles recording his fifth straight win and dominated Eagles batters allowing just three baserunners in his six-inning complete game.  Maldonado was electric in his two innings of work.  Not only did ET record 5 strikeouts in just two innings of work, FGCU batters struggled mightily to catch up to his fastball and made contact just a couple of times.  Wright threw his best game of the year and was phenomenal after the first two innings of work.  Wright went five innings and allowed just three earned runs on three hits.

For the fourth weekend in a row the Florida State Club Baseball team hosted a series in Tallahassee, this time with conference foe Florida International University coming into town.  Although FIU's roster status was in question, the Seminoles showed no mercy putting up a weekend run total of 45 runs and utterly dismantling the Panthers.  Ace Andrew Kunkler took the mound for Game 1 per usual and weathered a stretch of sloppy defense to again allow zero earned runs in his four innings of work.  Kunkler struck out four Panther batters and was relieved by Evan Cannan.  FIU's bats came alive late to pick up several runs, but Cannan was able to shut the door and the Noles took Game 1 by a score of 11-6.  At the plate, the Noles offense took care of business with yet another ten-plus run performance.  The 1,2,3 hitters in the lineup Clay Gilman, Tim Becker, and Brett Gilman combined for 7 RBI's while the 7,8,9 hitters Sean Malynn, Nathan Grant, and Sam Nadel scored six of the Noles' eleven runs.  Freshman Sam Nadel was beaned by a league-leading ninth pitch and reached base three of his four times to the plate including a frozen-rope double to left-center field.  

Game 2 pitching duties were split between Keaton Cederstrom, Chase Doczi, and Brett Carter, who battled through five innings of a tight zone to allow seven runs.  Cederstrom struggled with command, but was able to give the Noles 3 innings of work before handing the ball over to Doczi, who slammed the door in the 4th with a four pitch inning.  After a slight lull in production, the offense erupted like Mount Vesuvius in the bottom of the 4th for 13 runs, batting around the order twice.  Freshman sidewinder Brett Carter came in to close things out in the fifth, holding on to a healthy lead and the Noles took Game 2 by a score of 18-7.  Sean McClaskie sent another ball into orbit for his 2nd homerun of the season and contributed to his 5 RBI performance.  IM referee duo Brett Gilman and Ryan McElroy were a great 1,2 punch, scoring five runs and driving in four in a combined five-for-eight effort.  Joe 'I Always Score' Daidone broke out of his slump for a 2-3 day with a pair of RBI's, stolen bases, and runs, living up to the legend that he "always scores".  Pitcher-only Ray Espinosa picked up a bat as the designated hitter in Game 2 and put on a clinic going a perfect three-for-three with two RBIs.  

Carmelo Barone made the first start of his club baseball career in Game 3 and delivered a gem, allowing just one earned run in 4 and 2/3 innings.  Sam Nadel took over on the mound in the fifth and threw 1 1/3 innings of shutout baseball, striking out two and letting just one batter reach base via a walk.  Fifth-year club baseball flamethrower Brett Gilman came in to close out the game and faced the minimum number of batters in his one and only club pitching appearance.  Joe 'I Always Score' Daidone hit the first pitch he saw over the left-field fence for his first club homerun and scored both tiemes he reached base.  Sean Malynn starred with four stolen bases and a pair of RBI's during a three-for-four perfomance.  Rookie Chase Coffman recorded his first club hit, a double in the gap, for the Noles and pitcher Andrew Kunkler skied a ball to the "warning-track"  (just out of the infield) in his first club at-bat.  Ryan McElroy again came out to play with a three-for-four day, scoring three runs.  The Noles put together a true team performance this weekend with every player on the roster seeing the field and contributing.  We will be back in Tallahassee after a one-month hiatus to face Florida Gulf Coast March 25th and 26th.  Be on the lookout for player features in the meantime!

Pitchers of the Series:  Carmelo Barone & Andrew Kunkler

Carmelo delivered the Noles a stellar 4 2/3 inning start in Game 3 allowing just two earned runs on four hits.  This was Barone's first start of his young club career and his longest appearance of the season.  Kunkler was fantastic yet again for the Noles, registering 4 more innings and not allowing an earned run for the fourth straight start.  Andrew's electric stuff was on display this weekend striking out four more batters and limiting FIU's production despite sloppy defensive play.

Offensive Players of the Series:  Ryan McElroy, Joe Daidone, & Sean McClaskie

The first ever trifecta for offensive player of the week was given out this week because of three stellar performances.  Ryan McElroy put on a run scoring clinic, crossing the plate 7 times over the weekend and batting .500 for the series.  Joe Daidone filled up the stat sheet registering a 4-for-8 weekend with a homerun, double, 3 RBIs, 4 runs scored, and a pair of stolen bases.  Sean McClaskie blasted a homerun for the second weekend in a row, coupled with two doubles and SIX runs driven in during the two games he played.  Sean was named the South Atlantic South Division Offensive Player of the Weekend.

Gloomy weather hung over the city of Tallahassee with the Gators coming into town for a conference series against the Noles.  A muddy first-base and light rain delayed the start of the first game, but nothing could stop the clash of these arch-rivals.  Andrew Kunkler was again dubbed the Game 1 starting pitcher for the Seminoles and he delivered the best performance of his club baseball career.  Kunkler stifled the Gator offense, frustrating batters all game on his way to a five strikeout, complete game shutout.  Baserunners were few and far between for UF as they could only muster up three hits and one walk against the Noles’ ace.  Clay Gilman led the offensive attack early scoring in both the first and third innings on Tim Becker RBI’s.  Leading 3-0 heading into the fifth, the Noles offense exploded for six runs with nine straight batters reaching base.  Freshman Sam Nadel reached base on two of his three at-bats, scoring once and driving in a pair of runs.  Corner infielders Jake Jacobs and Josuan Suarez both reached base twice, Jacobs recording a pair of stolen bases with two RBI’s and Suarez adding a couple of base hits and a run scored. 

Game 2 was not nearly as kind to the FSU pitching staff as the Noles allowed thirteen earned runs and fifteen runs total to the Gator offense; the pitching duties were split between Corey Nevers, Chase Doczi, Carmelo Barone, and ET Maldonado.  Down 9-2 in the bottom of the sixth, the Noles clawed their way back into the game with a four run sixth sparked by pinch-running extraordinaire Joe Daidone who always scores; Sean Malynn, Ryan McElroy also came around to close the gap to just three runs.  The Gators offense was relentless and came right back to answer with six runs of their own to put the Noles away with a final score of 15-8.  Catcher Nathan Grant went three-for-four at the plate with a run and a run-batted-in anchoring the Noles offense all game.  Sean Malynn and Brett Gilman added a pair of hits each and Malynn came around to score both times.

The Game 3 rubber match came Sunday morning with Keaton Cederstrom starting the game off on the mound for the Noles.  Cederstrom made his way through three and two-thirds innings of baseball, but the Gators were able to jump out to a 4-0 lead and Ray Espinosa came in for relief.  The Seminoles offense was able to take the lead in the fifth behind a mammoth two-run homerun by Sean McClaskie.  Up 6-4, the Noles were able to open up the lead to 8-4 in the sixth, but the Gators weren’t done yet, roaring back with four runs in the seventh and forcing Espinosa out of the game.  ET Maldonado came in to pitch and shut the door for the Noles providing two and one-third innings of solid relief.  Locked up at 8-8, the game was forced to extras and Evan Cannan came in to pitch.  Cannan was able to retire the first two batters, but a walk provided the Gators with an opening and they managed to drive in a run pushing the score to 9-8.  Although Clay Gilman was able to reach base on an error in the bottom of the tenth, the Noles fell short and the Gators took the series.  Josuan Suarez, Sean Paul Perry, and Sean McClaskie all provided the Noles with two runs-batted-in, with Suarez and Perry doubling home their pair and McClaskie homering his across the plate.  Tim Becker and Jake Jacobs both went two-for-five with a run scored and an RBI. 

Pitcher of the Series:  Andrew Kunkler

Kunkler was the obvious choice this week for the pitcher of the series as he baffled the Gator hitters all game long.  Not only did he throw a complete-game shutout, Kunkler was able to stifle the Gators and hold them to just three hits and a walk while striking out five batters.  Kunkler began the year as the Noles’ ace and he has further solidified himself as the number-one on the staff.

Offensive Player on the Series:  Sean McClaskie

McClaskie boosted the offense this weekend as the designated hitter, going six-for-thirteen with a huge homerun and a pair of RBI’s.  Not only did McClaskie bolster the Noles offense, he broke through for his first club homer after coming close multiple times last season. 

The Tar Heels of North Carolina rolled into town this weekend to take on your Florida State Seminoles in and early season out-of-conference matchup.  Andrew Kunkler toed the rubber first for the Noles and delivered his second win of the season.  Kunkler threw four strong innings allowing just four baserunners, zero runs, and struck out four Tar Heel batters.  The offense erupted in the second inning for eight runs and the Noles never looked back scoring nineteen runs in just five innings.  Leading the charge was Brett Gilman who went three-for-three with four RBI's and a pair of runs.  Clean-up hitter Jake Jacobs got hot as well in Game 1 going two-for-three with both a pair of RBI's and runs.  Freshman Sam Nadel was on the unlucky end of an astounding three bean balls, but came around to score each time.  Seniors Clay Gilman and Ryan McElroy split the game at shortstop and combined for five runs batted in.  Brett Carter entered to pitch in the fifth inning and closed out the game for the Noles, leaving with a 19-4 victory.  Keaton Cederstrom started Game 2 on the mound for the Noels, but struggled with command and a tight zone early and was bounced after just one and third.  Fearless scorekeeper Chase Doczi had to put his duties aside and take over pitching in the second inning providing the Noles with five innings of relief to pick up the win.  Doczi only threw fifty-four pitches over those five innings and allowed just two runs on four baserunners.  The offense again reached the ten-run plateau led by Philly-fanatic Lou Copley's three-for-four, three run performance.  Sean McClaskie provided a spark early doubling home two runs in the first and Jake Jacobs bolstered his already strong day with an RBI in each of the first two innings.  Sean Paul Perry scored two runs as well and made a spectacular diving catch that saved a couple of runs to end the second inning.  With the lead, the Seminoles turned to sophomore ET Maldonado and he didn't disappoint, striking out two and earning the save to end the game.  The final score of game two was 10-8, the Seminoles narrowly escaping and offensive battle.  With the first two games in hand, the Noles eyed the sweep on Sunday with rookie club member Jacob Wright taking the mound.  Wright had to grind through three arduous innings, but managed to leave the Noles with a lead that they would never relinquish.  Clay Gilman started the bottom of the first being hit by a curveball bringing up junior Tim Becker to the plate.  With a two-two count, Becker unleashed on a fastball to right field that cleared the fence for the Noles' first home-run of the season!  Becker's home-run set the tone for the rest of the game in which the Noles put up ten-plus runs for the fifth time in six games this season.  Sean Paul Perry contributed in a multitude of ways in Game 3 going three-for-five with five RBI's and pitching two innings of relief for the Noles earning himself a hold.  ET Maldonado came on again in relief for the Noles and again did his thing throwing two scoreless innings of lights out baseball.  Nathan Grant caught his second full-game of the weekend and plated the winning run in the bottom of the seventh to seal the victory for the Noles by a score of 18-8.  The Seminoles offense looks to be getting hot at the right time, combining for 47 RUNS in just nineteen innings of baseball, averaging just about two and a half runs per inning.  Let's hope the offense continues next week against conference foe, the University of Florida.

Offensive Players of the Series:  Brett Gilman & Tim Becker

Gilman notched the most hits for the Noles going five-for-seven with two doubles, two sacrifice-flies, two runs, and five RBI's.  Brett's steady presence in the heart of the order anchored the Noles offense and led the way to such an electric offensive team performance.  With so many deserving candidates, we couldn't limit this week's offensive player of the series to just one.  Tim Becker went four-for-seven reaching base six times scoring four times, driving in five runs, and hitting the Noles first homerun of the year.

Pitchers of the Series:  Chase Doczi & ET Maldonado

Doczi came up huge in Game 2 for the Seminoles, picking up a win after coming in to throw five innings of relief.  Chase was the model of efficiency, posting a sub-one WHIP and throwing just over ten pitches per inning.  Maldonado made his debut on the mound for the Seminoles Club Baseball squad in Game 2 and picked up the save while striking out two.  With arms running low, the team again turned to ET to pitch in Game 3 where he threw two innings of shutout baseball.

Game 1:  13-0 W

Game 2:  5-2 W

Game 3:  14-1 W

It was a beautiful weekend for the opening series of the 2017 season for the Seminoles as they took on the University of West Georgia.  Andrew "Wild Thing" Kunkler started Game 1 and gave the Noles four strong innings registering six strikeouts while walking only one.  The offense picked up right where it left off last season putting up thirteen runs on ten hits in just five short innings.  Catcher Nathan Grant led the charge with two hits and three big runs batted in to spark the offense.  Other notables included newcomer Josuan Suarez and Sean McClaskie as both added two RBI's and two runs a piece.  The pride of Goochland, Virginia Chase Doczi closed out the game with two strikeouts during a three-up three-down inning.  Game 2 pitching was split between Corey Nevers, Carmelo Barone, and Ray Espinosa who combined for ten strikeouts and allowed just two runs.  Offensively the Noles struggled to find their groove scratching out five tough runs on four hits.  Speedster Sean Malynn bolstered the offensive production scoring two of the five runs and Lou Copley came up with a clutch two-RBI single early in the game.  Game 3 the offense came back full-circle and put up fourteen runs behind 3 RBI's a piece by gentle giants Corey Nevers and Joe Daidone.  The McSoley brothers were perfect on the day, Matt picking up two hits and Tim singling in his only at-bat.  Fifth-year veteran Brett Gilman broke out of a slump extending into last season with a two-for-two day and also scored two runs.  Ryan McElroy also had himself a day with several spectacular plays at shortstop and a hit at the plate.  Dancing machine and lyrical wizard Keaton Cederstrom took the bump for the Noles in Game 3 for his first club start and he stepped up to the task tossing three hitless innings seemingly without breaking a sweat.  Rookies Jacob Wright and Brett Carter each threw an inning in relief and the Noles pitching staff closed out the weekend allowing just three total runs over all three games. 

Offensive Player of the Series:  Tim Becker

Tim quietly had the best offensive weekend for the Seminoles going three-for-six with a double, two runs, and three runs batted in.  Taking over centerfield patrol for club legend Jason Wilpon isn't an easy task, but Becker performed admirably and will look to build off of a successful weekend.

Pitcher of the Series:  Keaton Cederstrom

While Andrew Kunkler pitched phenomenally, Keaton earned himself this weekend's pitcher of the series because of his pitch-efficiency.  Cederstrom threw just over thirty pitches in his three innings and did not allow a hit.  Just as Becker is helping replace Wilpon, the starting pitching staff is attempting to replace NCBA All-American Ryan Kammerdener and Keaton will be key in doing so.  The Noles will rely on Cederstrom to continue working on his craft as a starter this season.

The Noles ran through the Regional Tournament by defeating Coastal Carolina and UCF twice (5-0 on the season against them) en route to their second straight regional championship and their second straight world series appearance. The world series was cruel to the Seminoles again where they were bounced after the first 2 games, going 0 and 2. The first game against the Nevada Wolf Pack (eventual champions) did not go as planned. Ryan Kammerdener had a mediocre performance where he allowed 3 ER and did not make it to the 6th. The Noles did hit well and held the lead for most of the game led by Clay Gilman who was 4 for 5 in the first game and did it all from stealing bases to driving in runs. The Noles took a 1 run lead into 9th where they gave up a 2 run shot and ended up losing the game by a final of 9-8. The second game took place against Colorado State the next day where Danny German started and battled through walks and only ended giving up 2 ER. The Noles had a ton of pitching changed and subs in this game; it was a true team effort. The game was tied and in the top of the 9th the Noles surrendered 3 runs to go down 6-3. But in true Florida State fashion, they never gave up and clawed their way back to tie it up! Clay Gilman again led the charge in this game and seemed to score every time he was on base via an RBI from Jason Wilpon or Matt Zanis. To extras we went and Colorado again put 2 on the board in the top of the 10th but again the Noles match it but failed to score the run from second. In the top of the 11th CSU put up 2 more but this time the Noles failed to capitalize on a Clay Gilman (9-10 in the series) two bagger and ended their season with a loss to Colorado State by the final of 10-8. The Seminoles finished the season with a record of 22-3 and earned their second straight South Atlantic Regional Title and made their second straight World Series trip. The Noles finished their season with a ranking of 7 (were as high as number 1) and swept the UCF Knights and took a great series from the Gators. While the season did not end exactly as planned, I have never been around a better group of guys who wanted it more. They never gave up and never quit. I'd like to thank all the parents and seniors again for all their time and for making this whole year possible. Thank you everyone for a great season!

-Ryan Kammerdener

The Seminoles took on the Number 5 ranked UCF Knights this past weekend in the final series of the 2016 campaign. Game 1 starter Ryan Kammerdener came into this series with a 6-0 record in 6 games started. Today was no different than the rest of his starts; he threw a 7 inning complete game giving up 2 runs, 1 walk, and 2 hits while notching 9 strikeouts on his way to his 7th win in 7 starts. The Noles offense took care of the rest as they provided runs early and often. Alain Aguair got the run scoring started early with an RBI single scoring Tim Becker (reached base 4 times with 3 BBs and 1 1B). Aguair drove in 2 more the next inning with a 2 RBI double to increase the Noles lead. Matt Zanis also chipped in an RBI single en route to a comdortable 8-2 victory. Austin Schultz started game 2 and did not dissapoint. Schultz gave 6 strong innings of 6 hit, 2 run baseball to put the Noles into a position to win a ball game. The Noles offense took care of the rest by scoring early and often. Tim Becker and Alain Aguiar both recorded RBIs in the first inning while scoring a Gilman brother in each case.The real story occurred in the 4th inning where Brett Gilman launched a 2 RBI long ball (4th of the year) to end all trash talk that was ensuing about the ability of the Knight's pitchers ability to get him out. The 5th inning contained more hitting and more run scoring highlighted by RBI singles from Sean McClaskie, Brett Gilman (3 for 4 on the day with 3 RBI, 3 runs and 1 SB), and Clay Gilman (2 for 3 with a walk, 1 RBI, and 1 run). Will Gerdes came on to finish the game out for the Seminoles. He struggled a bit and gave up a few runs but ended up closing the game out earning the Noles a 10 to 6 win. Game 3 was started by Andrew Kunkler who provided the Noles with a solid 6 inning, 3 run performance while giving up 7 hits and 2 walks and notching 4 strikeouts. The Seminoles came out hot again and punished the Knight's heralded pitching for 11 runs in 3 innings. Alain Aguair picked up 3 RBIs in these first 3 innings and Tim Becker and Junior Delgado pitchced in 2 RBIs as well. The final blow of the offensive onslaught was delivered by slap-hitter Brett Gilman who hit his second homer of the series (5th of the year). Chase Doczi threw 2 innings and gave up 1 run, 2 hits and 1 BB with 2 strikeouts. Keaton Cederstrom closed out the game to nail down the sweep by giving up 1 run on a hit, a walk, and 1 K. The sweep of UCF earned the Noles a final regular season record of 19 and 1. This impressive regular season clinched FSU a birth into the playoffs which will be held in LaGrange, Georgia  on May 13th-15th! 

Number 1 FSU traveled down to Gainesville to take on the 9th ranked Florida Gators. The series started off on a rainy note causing for the 9 inning game to be played on Saturday and both 7 inning games to be played on the Sunday. Danny German started game 1 for the Noles. He went 6 innings and tallied 4 strikeouts while giving up 4 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs. Unfortunately the Noles bats were utterly silenced by UF's starting pitcher who threw a complete game shutout while only giving up 3 hits. The Noles suffered their first loss of the season by a score of 3-0. The Sunday games were a completely different story. Austin Schultz started the game strong through the first three innings and then suffered from an inconsistant strike zone which led to 7 free passes on the day for him. The Noles were down 7-0 going into the top of the 5th and the bats came alive. The Noles rallied for 7 runs highlighted by 2 RBI singles from both Matt Zanis and Brett Gilman. The Noles pitching continued to falter but the offense was there to pick them up every time. Down by 2 in the top of the 7th FSU rallied yet again. Tim Becker started the inning with a single, Junior Delgado came to the plate from the bunch and came up with a clutch single to put runners on 1st and second with no outs. A past ball occurs and pinch runner, Joey Daidone, managed to take not only 3rd base but home as well! Alain Aguiar then tied the game up with a clutch RBI single to tie the game up. Alain Aguiar then took the mound for the first time of the year and pitched both the 7th and 8th inning while only giving up 1 run and 1 hit in the outing. The top of the 8th was more of the same as the Noles put 3 more across capped by a Jason Wilpon 2 RBI double to score the brothers Gilman. The Noles took the game in thrilling fashion, 13-11. With momentum firmly on the side of Florida State the Noles entered the rubber game of the series. Ryan Kammerdener took the mound and pitched well through 4 but the wheels began to come off as the long ball began to hurt him. He gave up 4 dingers and 7 ER with 5 Ks to cap the worst outing of his club career. But despite this, the Noles never trailed in this game. All but one starter had an RBI in this game as the Noles had 5 runs by the 5th and then continued the onslaught. The Noles plated 8 runs in the 6th which was highlighted by RBI hits from Sean McClaskie, Austin Schultz, and Jason Wilpon (4 RBIs this inning). Jason Wilpon then led the charge for a 7 run 7th inning with a grandslam. Wilpon's stats for the rubber game of this series are out of this world.... he went 5-5 with a grandslam, 2 doubles, 2 singles, 1 walk, 3 runs scored, and 10 RBIs. The final score of the final game was 20-7 which earned the Noles a series victory against their biggest rivals and propelled them to a 14-1 record on the year. Wilpon carried the Noles offense through the last two games with clutch hits and a total of 13 RBIs over those two games (3 doubles and 5 runs as well).

The Noles traveled down to Homestead to take on the Florida International Panthers. Ryan Kammerdener started the first game of the series and did not have his usual stuff. But he still pitched to the tune of a 5 inning complete game with 0 earned runs (1 total run), 4 hits, 1 BB, and only 1 K (received his league leading 4th win of the year). The offense put up a 7 spot in the first innings and kept up the pace for the rest of game 1. Brett Gilman continued his hot hitting as he went 5 for 5 game where he scored 2 runs, had 1 RBI, and one double. Rookies Tim Becker and Sean Malynn both had very good games; Becker went 2-4 with 3 RBIs, a triple, a a walk, and 3 runs scored while Malynn went 3 for 3 with 3 singles, a walk, 2 RBIs and a stolen base. The game ended by the score of 15-1 with almost every starter collecting a hit. The second game was highlighted instead by great pitching. Austin Schultz was nothing short of dominant going 7 inning (CG) with 9 punch outs while only giving up 1 earned run with 3 hits and 3 walks. Schultz kept his team in the game until the Noles scraped across the 2 runs needed to take the lead in the 5th inning. The Noles scraped 2 runs across this inning through good at bats and by staying very patient; the runs were earned by back to back walks from Joey Romano (load the bases and later score on a past ball) and an RBI walk by Junior Delgado to take the lead. The Noles pulled this game out by the final score of 2 to 1. Game 3 was a different story. Danny German threw an impressive 5 innings where he walked 4 but only gave up 1 hit and no runs to earn his first win of the year. The Noles break through inning was a 7 run third inning highlighted by RBI singles from Jason Wilpon, Austin Schultz, Alain Aguiar, and Brett Gilman. Aguiar also added a booming 2 RBI triple in the 4th inning and later scored. Chase Doczi threw a scoreless 6th with 1 K and 1 BB. Will Gerdes finished out the game with a perfect inning with 1 strikeout. The final score was 11-0 and the Noles earned their 4th straight 3 game sweep to put them at a perfect 12-0 on the season. The next series is against the Florida Gators which has serious playoff implications.    

Divisional play opened up for the Noles this weekend as they took on the Miami Hurricanes. Game 1 had Ryan Kammerdener attempting to earn his 3rd straight win in as many series. He navigated around 5 hits and a walk to record 8 strikeouts while giving up 0 earned runs and one run total in a complete game, 7 inning effort. Early offense was provided by Matt Zanis who recorded a hit in his first and an RBI in each of his first two at bats. An offensive burst in the 6th inning had 7 straight Noles reaching base which earned them 4 runs capped by Clay and Brett Gilman both collecting RBI hits. The game was out of reach at this point with the final score of 7 to 1. Game 2 was started by frat star Austin Schultz. Schultz recorded 8 Ks in 5 innings while only surrendering 2 runs on 2 walks and 3 hits. The FSU offense was awake from the start as they put a 5 spot in the first inning. This game belonged to Brett Gilman; he was 3/3 at the plate with 2 homeruns, a double, 3 RBIs and a stolen base. Matt Zanis also chipped in 2 more RBIs to put him into second place in the Nation with 15 total RBIs. Nathan Grant (2 RBI) and Tim Becker (1 RBI) chipped in a single and double each. Chase Doczi pitched the 6th and surrendered no runs while pitching around 3 singles. Will Gerdes finished the game off with 1 strikeout and 1 hit. The final score came in at 11 to 2. Game 3 was started by Danny German who navigated around 7 walks and 2 hits in 4 innings while only giving up 1 run. The Noles took an early lead as Jason Wilpon drove in the the brothers Gilman with a 2 RBI double. Andrew Kunkler relieved the starter and lost the lead for the Noles while giving up 4 runs in 2.2 innings pitched. Forunatly, the FSU hitters had his back by putting up a 5 spot in the 6th (putting Kunkler inline for the win) catalyzed by RBIs from Brett Gilman and Sean McClaskie. Ray Espinosa took over for Kunkler and threw a scoreless 1.1 innings while giving up a hit and a walk. Will Gerdes came in for the 9th and threw a clean inning with a strikeout for his 2nd save of the season. The final score was an 8 to 5 Noles victory. The sweep put the Noles at 9 and 0 for the season with a 3 and 0 start in conference. Brett Gilman finished the weekend with a line of 9/13 with 2 home runs, 1 double, 5 RBIs, 6 runs, and 2 stolen bases. 

The Noles second series of the young NCBA season had the Seminoles pitted against the North Carolina Tar Heels. Game 1 was started by Ryan Kammerdener who struggled with command (5 walks) early but managed to put together a 6 inning 2 hit, 1 run, 9 strikeout performance to keep his team in the game. The Seminoles down 1-0 until an offensive outburst in the 6th inning highlighted by 2 RBIs from Tim Becker (2-3 on the game) and Clay Gilman as well as 1 RBI by Matt Zanis and Junior Delgado apeice. Ray Espinosa came in for the final inning capping an 8-1 FSU win. Game 2 started in a much different fashion for both the Seminoles and the Tar Heels. The runs were pouring in from both sides as each team traded punches for the first few innings. Danny German started the game and gave up 5 through 3 innings but the Noles matched the Tar Heels with 5 of their own through the first 3 innings highlighted by a lot of walks and two 2 RBI doubles from Louie Copley and Matt Zanis. Ray Espinosa took over in the fourth and threw 2 efficient innings where he only gave up 1 hit and had 3 strikeouts. Austin Schultz continued the furthered the run total with an RBI single and he wasn't done there; he ended the day 2 for 2 at the plate with 3 runs scored, 2 walks, and 2 RBIs. Chase Doczi came into the game next and struggled with command but gutted his way through and was able to come up with multiple big outs to limit the damage which allowed for him to pick up the win. The offensive onslaught continued as the Noles hung up 2 runs in the 6th, 4 in the 7th and 2 again in the 8th. The late innings were highlighted by Nathan Grant's 3-3 performance at the plate with 2 runs and a double. Will Gerdes finished up the game (while battling a stomach virus I may add) and the Noles came out victorious, 15-7. Austin Schultz started the 3rd and final game of the series and gave a strong performance as FSU was going for the sweep. He threw 5 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts, 5 hits, and 3 walks en route to his best performance of the year. The Seminoles offensive attack was anchored by the Nova High School teammates, Jason Wilpon and Matt Zanis. Wilpon went 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs 2 runs and 1 double while Matt Zanis went 2 for 3 with 2 runs and a 3 RBI bases clearing TRIPLE which he somehow managed to leg out. Matt McSoley threw the sixth inning and gave up a run with 2 Ks and Will Gerdes finished off the sweep with a 1 hit, 1 K inning giving the Noles the 9-1 victory and the 3 game sweep helping them move to 6-0.

Pictures from the first series against GT can be found at: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-RX5Z5m/i-v65TCN5

This weekend your second ranked Seminoles took on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in a 3 game series in Tallahassee. Game 1 was started by senior starting pitcher Ryan Kammerdener who was looking to keep up the pace he set last year. In 6 innings he recorded 10 strike outs while giving up 1 hit and 2 walks as well as hitting 1 batter. Jason Wilpon drove in the first run followed by a Matt Zanis 2 run single which provided the Seminoles a 3-0 lead. Will Gerdes was tapped to close out the game which ended with a score of 3 to 2 with your Seminoles coming out on top. For game 2 sophomore Austin Schultz was on the bump where he made light work with the Yellow Jacket hitters with a line of 4 innings pitched 8 strike outs. Schultz allowed 2 few runs which can be attributed to early game walks (4 BB total). Chase Doczi took over and collected the win with an incredibly efficient performance where he allowed only one hit and gave up no other base runners. Brett Gilman provided a bulk of the offensive damage where he went 2 for 4 with a triple, a run and 2 RBIs (he narrowly missed a homerun as well when it hooked foul). Jason Wilpon collected another RBI in this game via a sac fly. The final score was 3-2 with your Noles again victorious. The 3rd and final game of the series was started by Danny German who gave up 3 runs on 3 hits but the Florida State hitters had his back on this day as they put together a 7 run game. Matt Zanis was dependable as usual; he got on in all 3 at bats while going 2 for 2 with a run, 1 RBI and a walk. Tim Becker recorded a clutch 2 run single late in the game followed by a Sean McClaskie 2 run triple that put the game away. Andrew Kunkler received his first win for a 3 inning, 2 run (1 earned) pitching performance. Ray Espinosa came in to pitch the 7th and recorded his first career save. The final score was 7-5 which gives the Noles a 3-0 start to their 2016 campaign.