Florida State wrapped up a turbulent April with a much-needed win on Wednesday.
Brody DeLamielleure had a two-run single in the first inning and a no-doubt solo home run in the seventh inning — that flew 427 feet — as Florida State routed South Florida 9-1 on Wednesday afternoon. DeLamielleure went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and raised his batting average to .300 after entering the month with a .225 average.
“I’m happy for DeLamielleure,” FSU coach Link Jarrett said. “He’s worked very hard. He made some technical modifications that looked like they’re helping him. I think he’s also healthy. He’s obviously gone through a lot. When he’s on it and healthy, he does have tremendous capability to help us.”
The Seminoles (30-14) bounced back from being swept at Stanford over the weekend with a dominating performance at the plate and on the mound, where USF managed just four hits. FSU's pitchers combined for 12 strikeouts.
After an up-and-down month — being swept at Georgia Tech and unranked Stanford while sweeping Notre Dame and winning a series at Virginia — the Seminoles have 30 wins as they prepare for their final three ACC series. FSU has struggled to adjust within the lineup after Myles Bailey’s injury, but on Wednesday the Seminoles produced plenty of pop vs. six pitchers from USF (28-16).
Chase Williams extended his hit streak to 14 games. He scored a run but was also caught in a rundown on a hard-hit ball back to third base. Williams left the game in the eighth inning holding his side after swinging the bat.
“I hope Chase is ok,” Jarrett said.
FSU has battled injuries throughout the season. Jarrett said Brayden Dowd, who did not play on Wednesday, is “battling something.” He added that John Stuetzer is “fighting through it a little bit.”
Eli Putnam and Nathan Cmeyla also had RBI singles.
Cooper Whited (3-2) pitched four innings, allowing just three hits and a walk. The left-hander had four strikeouts. He pitched three shutout innings before running into trouble in the fourth, with former Seminole Lance Trippel delivering an RBI single to put USF on the board.
Cade O'Leary then had two strikeouts in a hitless fifth, while Brodie Purcell had three strikeouts (and a walk) in a hitless sixth. Gabe Nard pitched 1.1 shutout innings.
Up next
FSU plays host to Pittsburgh in a three-game series beginning on Friday at 6 p.m. (ACC Network Extra). Note that Saturday's game has been pushed back to a 6 p.m. first pitch.
The Panthers (28-14, 10-11) are led by FSU alum Mike Bell, who was the Seminoles’ pitching coach from 2012-18.
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