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No. 16 FSU baseball takes first 2026 loss vs. No. 9 Auburn
Seminoles' fast start fades as Tigers rally for 8-5 victory in Arlington
Feb. 22, 2026 at 12:34am
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Florida State baseball's first ranked matchup of the season started exceptionally well, with the 16th-ranked Seminoles jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning against No. 9 Auburn. However, the Seminoles' bats went cold and the pitching allowed too much traffic on the basepaths, as the Tigers rallied to hand FSU their first loss of the season, 8-5, in the second game of the weekend at the Amegy Bank College Baseball Series in Arlington, Texas.
Why it matters
This loss is an early setback for the Seminoles, who were looking to make a statement against a top-10 opponent. The game highlighted some of the team's weaknesses, particularly in the bullpen and with the offense's inability to sustain their early momentum. As FSU looks to compete for a postseason berth, this defeat could prove costly if they can't bounce back quickly.
The details
After the Seminoles raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, Auburn starter Jackson Sanders settled in and shut down the FSU offense over the next four innings. Meanwhile, Bryson Moore pitched well for the Seminoles, but the bullpen struggled, allowing five runs over the final 3 2/3 innings to give Auburn the comeback victory. The Seminoles managed just two hits after the first inning and struck out 13 times.
- The game was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
- FSU jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning.
The players
Bryson Moore
The Florida State pitcher, who made his second start of the season against the tough Auburn lineup.
Jackson Sanders
The Auburn starting pitcher, who settled in after a rocky first inning to shut down the Seminoles' offense.
Brayden Dowd
The Florida State hitter who drove in the team's first run with a double in the opening frame.
Cade O'Leary
The Florida State reliever who replaced Moore in the fifth inning and allowed Auburn to take the lead.
Ben Barrett
The Florida State reliever who allowed an insurance run for Auburn in the eighth inning.
What they’re saying
“We must regroup and learn from this loss. There are still many games left in the season, and we will use this as motivation to come back stronger.”
— Mike Martin Jr., Florida State Head Coach
What’s next
The Seminoles will look to bounce back on Sunday when they face Nebraska at 3:30 ET. It's unclear if Trey Beard will make his first start of the season or if someone else will take the mound for FSU.
The takeaway
This loss is an early test for the Seminoles, who will need to quickly rebound if they want to remain in the national rankings and contend for a postseason berth. The bullpen and offensive struggles highlighted areas that the team will need to address moving forward.
