Holton hurls gem for FSU vs. Clemson

Behind another outstanding performance from sophomore Tyler Holton, Florida State (22-15, 8-9 ACC) knocked off No. 4 Clemson 7-3 to even the series in Tallahassee.

Holton pitched a careerhigh eight innings, allowing three runs and striking out nine. FSU used home runs from Taylor Walls, Quincy Nieporte and Dylan Busby in beating the Tigers (306, 14-3).

Holton, a three-time ACC Pitcher of the Week this season, allowed a run in a shaky first inning, but with the bases loaded and one out, he struck out Drew Wharton and forced a fly out from Andrew Cox.

Walls responded with his second leadoff home run of the week to tie the game. With two outs, Cal Raleigh singled home Rhett Aplin before Nieporte’s team-high seventh home run of the season gave FSU a 4-1 lead after one inning.

In the third, FSU got its final three runs off the bat of Busby. His three-run home r un, a l s o wit h t wo out s , scored Aplin and Raleigh and pushed FSU’s lead to 7-1.

The series finale is tonight at 7 in a game televised by ESPNU.

M a r s h a l l 7, F l o r i d a Atlantic 0: The Owls were shut out for the first time since May 2015, but took two of three from the Thundering Herd in Boca Raton.

Florida Atlantic (24-10-1, 11-4 C-USA) was shut down by Jacob Niggemayer, who allowed four hits in going the distance for Marshall (18-17, 7-8).

Jake Miednik (4-3) took the loss, giving up three runs on four hits in six innings.

Jordan Poore a nd Er i c Rivera each had two hits.

“You have to give credit to the Marshall pitcher,” FAU coach John McCormack said. “I thought he came out and did everything he needed to do.”