FSU Topples UVa At ACC Tournament

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The Cavaliers now turn their focus to the NCAA Tournament. ~ Photo by Kris Wright

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Florida State (43-15) used a four-run rally in the seventh inning to overcome a three-run deficit and defeat Virginia (44-13), 6-4, in the final 2014 ACC Tournament game for both teams.

Both starting pitchers had decent outings but neither factored into the decision. FSU’s Luke Weaver went six innings and surrendered four runs on six hits with six strikeouts and four walks. Virginia’s Nate Kirby tossed six innings of one-run ball; he recorded two strikeouts and two walks while scattering four hits. Kirby gave way to Connor Jones who pitched to three hitters in the seventh. Jones struck out one, walked two, and allowed two runs. Jones was followed by Josh Sborz, whose luck was no better. He gave up two additional runs, walked a hitter, and yielded three hits. The appearances for Sborz and Jones were their first since the Wake Forest series.

Virginia’s vaunted bullpen gave up five walks and the Seminoles capitalized on virtually every mistake the Cavaliers made. FSU coach Mike Martin said his team was very aggressive in Kirby’s last two innings or work, attacking him early in the count. The strategy did not work as Kirby retired six of the seven batters he faced and used just 13 pitches to do so. Asked if he altered his strategy for the bullpen, Coach Martin said, “Yes we did.”

FSU shortstop Justin Gonzalez said the change worked.

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