Things looked promising for FIU at the outset of the game as the Golden Panthers scored first and Daniel DeSimone struck out the first batter he saw. However, things went south from then as No.10 Florida State (ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll) controlled the rest of the game, beating FIU 15-5 Wednesday night in Tallahassee.

Like they have done so often this year, FIU scored in the first inning, taking a quick 1-0 lead over the Seminoles. After drawing a walk to begin the game, Junior Arrojo’s reputation as a terrific base-stealer immediately came into play as FSU tried to pick off the speedy shortstop repeatedly before throwing the ball away on a failed pick-off, which allowed Arrojo to go to third. Tyler Townsend then drove in Arrojo with a hard-hit single off the left field wall, giving FIU the early 1-0 lead.   

Florida State responded with four runs in the bottom of the first to take a quick 4-1 advantage. Sandwiched between two strikeouts, Daniel DeSimone gave up five singles and a walk as the Seminoles went ahead.

DeSimone allowed another single and a walk to begin the second, and that was all for him as he was replaced in favor of Mason McVay. The freshman lefty got two quick outs, one of them on a strikeout before allowing both runners to score on a wild pitch. McVay then gave up solo home runs to the next two batters as FSU blew the game open at 8-1.

With the score at 11-1, FIU loaded the bases with nobody out for Steven Stropp. The FIU backstop drew a walk to plate FIU’s second run and chase FSU starter Tyler Everett from the game. Two batters later, Mike Martinez doubled to center to make the score 11-4.

After FSU went up 12-4 with a solo home run in the fifth, Mike Martinez drove in another run with an RBI single to center in the top of the seventh.

The Seminoles added three runs in the bottom of the eight to bring the final score to 15-5.

DeSimone took the loss for FIU, falling to 4-4 on the year. The Golden Panthers saw their record drop to 30-19 on the year, while FSU is now 35-12.

Aaron Arboleya and Justin Leith both threw scoreless and hitless innings out of the bullpen for FIU. Tyler Townsend finished the game 3-4 with two runs and an RBI. Martinez was 2-4 with two RBIs and Lammar Guy drew a couple of walks and stole three bases.

The Golden Panthers will continue their roadtrip this weekend as they head to Mobile, Ala. for a weekend series against Sun Belt Conference opponent South Alabama. Game one of the series between the Golden Panthers and Jaguars is set for 7 p.m. (ET) on Friday.