In an electrifying display of offensive firepower and defensive resilience, Florida State's baseball team delivered a commanding performance that left no doubt about their status as one of the nation's top teams.
Joey Volini etched his name into the annals of Florida State baseball history with a remarkable complete game effort against Miami. This marked the first such achievement for a Seminole pitcher since Andrew Karp's feat in May 2018. Volini exhibited exceptional control throughout, allowing just two hits while striking out nine batters over seven innings. His ability to retire the final eight hitters he faced highlighted his dominance on the mound.
The southpaw relied heavily on precision pitches, consistently hitting the strike zone to minimize walks and maximize outs. With each inning, Volini grew stronger, culminating in a perfect sixth inning where he dispatched all three batters without conceding a single base. Such efficiency not only preserved his stamina but also kept the opposing lineup guessing until the very end.
Florida State unleashed a barrage of long balls, with freshman sensation Hunter Carns leading the charge by recording his inaugural multi-homer game. Joining him in this explosive outing was Alex Lodise, who also hit multiple home runs. These efforts were complemented by contributions from Max Williams and Myles Bailey, whose early-inning blasts set the tone for what would become a rout.
The collective strength of the batting order resulted in fourteen hits, including seven extra-base hits. Each swing seemed more potent than the last, with Lodise amassing four hits alone—a testament to his consistency at the plate. Meanwhile, Carns demonstrated why scouts are excited about his potential, showcasing both power and poise during crucial moments.
Nick Robert, Miami's starting pitcher, found himself overwhelmed almost immediately. Entering the contest having allowed seven home runs across 23.2 innings, he quickly surrendered another pair within the opening frames. Gage Harrelson ignited the rally with a leadoff single before Williams connected for a two-run shot, establishing Florida State's presence right away.
Moments later, Bailey added insult to injury with a towering solo home run measuring 438 feet at 115 mph. Such displays of raw talent forced Robert into an early exit after enduring significant damage through just 3.2 innings pitched. His struggles underscored the overwhelming pressure exerted by Florida State's relentless attack.
While the offense stole headlines, Florida State's defense played its part admirably. Drew Faurot executed key plays up the middle, thwarting potential scoring opportunities early on. Similarly, Brody DeLamielleure made spectacular catches in left field, preserving vital outs when they mattered most.
Volini capped off his stellar night by striking out the side in the seventh inning, sealing the run-rule victory with authority. His final pitch count stood at an economical 79 throws, reflecting his mastery over every aspect of the game. As teammates celebrated around him, it became clear that this triumph symbolized far more than just another win—it represented the culmination of hard work and dedication underpinning Florida State's success.