The stage is set for an exciting ACC showdown as No. 10 Florida State baseball (19-5, 5-1 ACC) takes on Duke (17-10, 4-5 ACC) in Tallahassee.
The Seminoles are riding high after back-to-back top-25 series victories, including a clean sweep of Wake Forest on the road. Meanwhile, Duke, under the new leadership of Corey Muscara-who brings insider knowledge from his time at Wake-has shown flashes of brilliance, such as their series win over Miami, despite setbacks against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech.
Florida State faced a hiccup midweek, getting shut out for the first time this season with a 5-0 loss to Florida. On the flip side, Duke's designated hitter, Kaden Smith, delivered a walk-off three-run homer to edge out East Carolina 9-8, showcasing their resilience.
Historically, the Seminoles have dominated the matchup against the Blue Devils, boasting an 85-29 all-time record. The last time Duke visited Tallahassee was in 2022, where FSU took two out of three games. The teams also clashed in the ACC Tournament last year, with FSU claiming a decisive 14-7 victory.
Stats Comparison:
- FSU: Batting average of .298, on-base percentage of .421, slugging .507, with 23 stolen bases. Their pitching staff holds a 3.63 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and an impressive 11.7 strikeouts per nine innings.
- Duke: Hitting at a .269 clip, with a .396 OBP and .476 SLG%.
They’ve been aggressive on the base paths with 104 stolen bases. Their pitchers carry a 4.86 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, and 9.1 K/9.
Starting Pitchers:
- FSU’s RHP Aidan Weaver: Standing tall at 6'5" and weighing 230 pounds, Weaver is looking to bounce back after a shortened outing against Virginia Tech, where he allowed three runs in 3.2 innings. Across six starts, he’s compiled a 4-2 record with a 4.02 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and 10.9 K/9.
- Duke’s LHP Wes Mendes: The junior southpaw has been a force, despite allowing four earned runs in his last start against NC State over 5.1 innings. Mendes boasts a stellar 1.59 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, and 12.2 K/9 over six starts and 34 innings. He’s struck out 46 batters while walking just 10, consistently working at least five innings each outing.
This series promises to be a captivating clash of styles and strategies, with both teams eager to make a statement in the ACC. Keep an eye on the pitching duel, as both Weaver and Mendes aim to set the tone for their respective squads.