Takeaways from FSU baseball's victory over UVA in elimination game of College World Series

Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat

It is survival mode from here on out for Florida State baseball.

Starting the 2024 College World Series 0-1 is not a good feeling.

With its backs against the wall, FSU found a way to bounce back after suffering a heartbreaking loss to Tennessee.

While the sting lingered, the Seminoles answered when they returned to Charles Schwab Stadium on Sunday to beat Virginia, 7-3, in an elimination game.

"To explain the feeling of sitting up here Friday night is not something I can remotely relay to you," FSU coach Link Jarrett said.

"This team's response of playing arguably the best game we've played this year pretty much sums up what's in that dugout."

The No. 8 national seed Seminoles will continue its CWS run as they face No. 4 North Carolina Tuesday at 2 p.m. No. 1 Tennessee remained unbeaten with its 6-1 win over the Tar Heels Sunday night.

Here are the takeaways from FSU's win over Virginia.

Jaime Ferrer, home-run king at Charles Schwab Stadium

Jun 16, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida State Seminoles left fielder Jaime Ferrer (7) reacts after hitting a home run against the Virginia Cavaliers during the fourth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
Jun 16, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida State Seminoles left fielder Jaime Ferrer (7) reacts after hitting a home run against the Virginia Cavaliers during the fourth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.

There have been some memorable performances at he CWS. There were three walk-off victories and Tennessee's Christian Moore's cycle.

Jaime Ferrer also stamped his name in the history books.

The junior had a two-home run performance and four RBI against the Cavs.

Ferrer has hit three home runs in two games and doubled his RBI with eight, making him the home-run and RBI leader in the CWS.

“Being able to come up clutch for my team is awesome,” Ferrer said.

“We still get to dance, and we still get to play on Tuesday and compete for a national championship, which, at the end of the day, is everyone's goal here. All eight of these teams are championship-caliber teams. So, for us to come out here with a win means the entire world to us.”

Ferrer is the first player to have consecutive games with four RBI in the College World Series since USC's infielder Robb Gorr in 1998.

Ferrer is the sixth Seminoles to hit three home runs in a single game and the first with multiple four-RBI games.

Alex Lodise hit FSU's third home run of the day as the Seminoles led 7-0 in six innings. Ferrer explained how contagious home runs can be, which has been a consistent weapon all year for the Seminoles.

“At the end of the day, you got to stick to your same approach,” Ferrer said. “You got to look for one pitch, and when you get it, you can't miss it."

Carson Dorsey continues his impressive postseason run

Jun 16, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida State Seminoles starting pitcher Carson Dorsey (9) throws against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
Jun 16, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida State Seminoles starting pitcher Carson Dorsey (9) throws against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.

Carson Dorsey continues to impress.

Throughout the postseason, Dorsey has been command on the mound with different pitching combinations.

Dorsey remembered the last time he faced Virginia during the ACC Tournament. He struggled and didn't last an inning when he relieved for Jamie Arnold.

For Dorsey, he remained confident in his pitches.

“Being able to have more than just the fastball working and trusting in those pitches is what really made the difference between today and the last time," Dorsey said.

Virginia had 10 hits with chances to put runs on the board. Dorsey remained poised, stranded runners and held the Cavs scoreless through six innings.

He finished with seven strikeouts in seven innings, allowing two earned runs with two walks and throwing 106 pitches.

In three postseason games, Dorsey has 20 strikeouts. In seven of his 10 starts, he has gone over five innings. Jarrett only had to use one relief pitcher against the Cavs.

Brennan Oxford closed out the game, giving Dorsey his eighth win of the year.

Jun 16, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida State Seminoles center fielder Max Williams (18) makes a catch against the Virginia Cavaliers during the fifth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.
Jun 16, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida State Seminoles center fielder Max Williams (18) makes a catch against the Virginia Cavaliers during the fifth inning at Charles Schwab Field Omaha.

What's next for FSU baseball

FSU will face North Carolina in another elimination round on Tuesday at 2 p.m.

The Seminoles, who lost to the top-ranked Vols, 12-11, on Friday night. have not faced the Tar Heels all year.

How can I watch FSU baseball vs. UNC Tuesday ?

  • TV: ESPN (Channel 206 on DirecTV, Channel 140 on Dish)

  • Streaming: ESPN+ ($10.99 per month), WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)

How can I listen to FSU baseball on the radio?

  • Radio: WFLA FM 100.7

  • Streaming: Seminole Sports Network

FSU baseball tickets for NCAA College World Series

Tickets for the College World Series can be purchased on the CWSOmaha.com

Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Takeaways from FSU baseball's win over UVA

Advertisement