Typically, the No.8 Red Raiders score runs in punches. However, Florida State’s stellar pitching forced Tech to use other methods to get the job done.
After second baseman’s Brian Klein’s blast into the right-field stands, pitchers Bonnin and Floyd were backed by exceptional defense. Both combined, surrendering one run as the Red Raiders staved off elimination by knocking off Florida State, 4-1 to advanced to the semifinals on Wednesday night at TD Ameritrade Park.
The victory marks the first time Texas Tech has won two games in Omaha.
With the score tied at one entering the top of the sixth inning, Klein launched a solo shot off Seminoles starting pitcher Conor Grady into the right-field stands to give Texas Tech (46-19) a 2-1 lead. The Red Raiders would not relinquish the lead.
Whether Dylan Neuse’s highlight catch, defense, or pitching, the Red Raiders had a hand in all of the above.
The Red Raiders pitching got the job done with help from starter Bryce Bonnin (7-1), who pitched five innings with an unearned run and struck out seven. Taylor Floyd was equally as effective in relief duty, fanning eight, allowed one hit and walked one while earning the save in four innings of work.
Sophomore Grady (9-6) struck out four and allowed two runs while lasting five innings of play.
Neuse’s diving catch complimented Bonnin and Floyd’s efforts on the mound by closing out the eighth inning without giving up a run as the Seminoles threaten with runners in scoring position.
For Florida State (42-23), it signifies the end of an incredible 40-year coaching career of Coach Mike Martin, which has the most wins of any coach in NCAA history (2,029-736-4). The impressive showing includes guiding Florida State to 17 World Series appearances and winning at least 40 games in every season.
Offensively, Florida State struggled while its pitching held Tech’s hard-hitting lineup to one run over seven innings. In fact, the game took on the form of a pitcher’s duel until Texas Tech added a pair of late runs, building a 4-1 deficit.
That’s when Seminoles closer J.C. Flowers surrendered an RBI single to Josh Jung in the top of the eighth inning, making the score, 3-1.
The win sets up a second meeting with Michigan, who opened the World Series with a 5-3 win over the Red Raiders last Saturday.
If the Red Raiders, who won the Big 12 regular-season title, advance to the finals, it would have to win two straight games vs. the Wolverines.