Florida State baseball team struggles against Florida's elite pitching

Seminoles strike out 18 times in 6-3 loss to rival Gators

Mar. 11, 2026 at 2:10am

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The Florida State baseball team, which had a 13-2 record in its first 15 games, faced some serious quality pitching from the Florida Gators on Tuesday night and struggled mightily, managing just six hits and striking out 18 times in a 6-3 loss. The Seminoles took an early 2-0 lead but couldn't hold on as the Gators scored five runs in the third inning to take control of the game.

Why it matters

This loss snaps a nine-game winning streak for Florida State and serves as a wake-up call that the Seminoles may not be as dominant as their early-season record indicated. The game highlighted the team's vulnerability against elite pitching, which could be a concern as they head into ACC play against tougher competition.

The details

The Florida State lineup managed just six hits, five of them singles, and struck out 18 times as the Florida Gators knocked off the Seminoles, 6-3, in Gainesville. The Seminoles took an early 2-0 lead in the second inning on a Cal Fisher two-run single, but the Gators scored five runs in the third inning to take control. Four of the final five Gator pitchers hit at least 100 mph on the radar gun and struck out 13 over the final five innings, overwhelming the Florida State hitters.

  • The game took place on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Florida State had a 13-2 record in its first 15 games prior to this loss.
  • The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak for the Seminoles.

The players

Cal Fisher

A Florida State player who hit a two-run single in the second inning to give the Seminoles an early lead.

Kevin Mebil

A Florida State pitcher who gave up five runs on five hits and two walks in the third inning, allowing the Gators to take the lead.

Chris Knier

A Florida State pitcher who also struggled in the third inning, contributing to the Gators' five-run outburst.

Cade O'Leary

A Florida State pitcher who pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Cole Stokes

A Florida State pitcher who pitched an inning of scoreless relief.

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What they’re saying

“We just couldn't handle the velocity out of their bullpen, especially in the later innings. That was the difference in the game.”

— Mike Martin, Florida State Head Coach

What’s next

Florida State will travel to Wake Forest this weekend to open up ACC play, where they will face tougher competition and will need to prove they can handle elite pitching.

The takeaway

This loss serves as a reality check for the Florida State baseball team, showing that they may not be as dominant as their early-season record indicated. The game highlighted the team's vulnerability against elite pitching, which could be a concern as they head into ACC play against tougher competition.