TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — No. 6 Florida State scored twice in the fifth inning and made the runs hold up for a 2-0 win over South Alabama on Tuesday evening at Dick Howser Stadium, spoiling a strong start by Jaguars starter Payton Gardner.
Gardner pitched six innings and allowed one earned run on five hits, striking out seven and walking one. The Seminoles improved to 31-6, and South Alabama fell to 27-11.
Fifth Inning Decides It
Florida State produced the game’s only runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. South Alabama brought the tying run to the plate in the top of the ninth, but the game ended on a pop-up down the left-field line.
Collura Has Three Hits
Bud Collura led South Alabama at the plate, going 3-for-4, but the Jaguars were unable to push a run across.
Florida State starter Peter Miller held South Alabama scoreless over 6 2/3 innings, striking out four and walking one. Bobby Coles pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his eighth save of the season.
- Final: Florida State 2, South Alabama 0
- Payton Gardner (USA): 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 1 BB
- Bud Collura (USA): 3-for-4
- Peter Miller (FSU): 6 2/3 IP, 0 R, 4 K, 1 BB
- Bobby Coles (FSU): 1 IP, 0 R, eighth save
Western Kentucky Series Next
South Alabama returns home this weekend to host Western Kentucky in a Sun Belt Conference series at Eddie Stanky Field. The Jaguars and Hilltoppers enter the weekend at the top of the Sun Belt baseball standings.
