In a nail-biting series opener, Florida State edged out Duke with a 3-1 victory, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting matchup.
Wes Mendes took the mound for Florida State, facing off against Duke's Aidan Weaver. Mendes started strong, striking out two after a flyout in the first inning.
Florida State, eager to bounce back from a recent loss to Florida, saw Brayden Dowd draw a walk, steal second, and reach third on an Eli Putnam groundout. However, the Seminoles couldn't capitalize, leaving Dowd stranded after Myles Bailey and Kelvyn Paulino Jr. struck out.
Mendes continued his dominance in the second, retiring Duke in order with two more strikeouts. The Seminoles had a promising start in their half of the inning with Hunter Carns doubling down the left-field line and John Stuetzer drawing a walk. Yet, three consecutive strikeouts left them empty-handed.
In the third, Mendes allowed his first hit-a deep triple to center-but quickly regained control with his seventh strikeout, keeping the game scoreless. Florida State caught a break in their half when a throwing error allowed Putnam to reach third. Despite Bailey stealing second, the Seminoles couldn't bring anyone home, as another strikeout ended the threat.
The game remained a pitchers' duel through the fourth and fifth innings, with both teams struggling to bring runners home. Duke managed a ground-rule double in the fifth, but Mendes shut down the rally with back-to-back strikeouts.
In the sixth, Florida State finally broke through. Bailey doubled and advanced on a wild pitch, scoring on Paulino Jr.'s single to take a 1-0 lead.
Chase Williams added another run with an RBI, and the Seminoles forced Duke to make a pitching change. The inning ended with a lineout, but the damage was done.
Duke responded in the eighth with a double that brought them within one run, but a brilliant 5-3-5 double play snuffed out their rally. Florida State extended their lead in the bottom of the inning when Fraser, pinch-running for Paulino Jr., scored on a wild pitch, making it 3-1.
In the ninth, Duke had one last chance. A throwing error put a runner on second, but Mendes and the Seminoles' defense held firm. A final strikeout sealed the victory for Florida State, who managed to hold off Duke's late push and secure the win.
This game showcased Florida State's resilience and Mendes' stellar performance on the mound, setting the stage for the rest of the series.