Florida State eliminates Cal State Fullerton
OMAHA, Neb. — Florida State’s dugout was a bit deflated after the Seminoles gave up three runs in the bottom of the sixth to have a two-run lead against Cal State Fullerton turn into a one-run deficit.
Things perked up when shortstop Timmy Richards couldn’t make a play on Taylor Walls’ grounder leading off the top of the seventh.
That started a three-run inning that sent the Seminoles (46-22) to a 6-4 win that knocked the Titans out of the College World Series.
“Anytime a guy gets on base, the first hitter, we think we’ll score a crooked number, not just one,” FSU’s Drew Mendoza said.
“The first hitter sets the tone, and with guys getting on base, we were feeling really good about the inning. It gives the guy behind him confidence to pass the bat to the next guy.”
This game marked the 1,000th CWS game since the event started 71 years ago.
Fullerton (39-24) has gone two games and out in four consecutive CWS appearances and has lost nine games in a row in Omaha. The past four of those losses are on coach Rick Vanderhook’s tab. “I know I’m 0-4. I knew how difficult it was to get here. But it’s even more difficult to get here and win,” he said.
Chase Haney (3-2) worked two-thirds of an inning for the win, and Drew Carlton earned his seventh save after Fullerton put two runners on base with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.
Other game
Oregon State 13, LSU 1: KJ Harrison hit a grand slam in the sixth, and Nick Madrigal, Trevor Larnach and Cadyn Grenier all added three RBIs as Oregon State (2-0) routed LSU (1-1). Bryce Fehmel pitched eight innings giving up two hits for the win. Harrison’s grand slam was the first hit at TD Ameritrade Park home of the series since 2011.