The Citadel baseball team lost both games of a doubleheader against No. 21 Florida State at Dick Howser Stadium on Saturday. The first game ended with a 6-2 win for the Seminoles, while the second was decided in extra innings, with Florida State winning 2-1.
In the opening game, The Citadel took an early lead in the fifth inning after Miles Barbrey singled and later scored on a Florida State error. Garrett Fulmer reached base on another error and was driven home by Matthew Lively’s single. Florida State responded in the bottom half of the inning with an RBI groundout from Eli Putnam to narrow the gap.
The sixth inning saw Florida State pull ahead after Brayden Dowd reached base on a walk and advanced on a wild pitch. Key hits from Kelvyn Paulino Jr., Gabe Fraser, and Putnam pushed multiple runs across, giving the Seminoles a decisive advantage. John Stuetzer added an insurance run for Florida State in the eighth.
Will Holmes started for The Citadel, pitching five and two-thirds innings and striking out six but allowing five runs (none earned). Trip Brown followed with two innings, striking out three but giving up one run. Andrew Buffkin pitched briefly at the end of the game.
Wes Mendes picked up the win for Florida State with six innings of work, allowing only one earned run. John Abraham closed out with three perfect innings to earn a save.
In game two, Florida State opened scoring in the second inning due to a Bulldogs throwing error that allowed Gabe Fraser to score. Aryan Patel tied it for The Citadel after drawing a walk and scoring following another defensive miscue during Jayden Williams’ sacrifice bunt attempt.
The deciding play came in extra innings when Chase Williams scored for Florida State following another fielding error by The Citadel during a fielder’s choice play.
Bryce Coulter stood out for The Citadel by pitching eight strong innings without giving up an earned run and striking out four batters. Ben Brash was charged with the loss after yielding an unearned run in relief. Steven Trone pitched a scoreless ninth inning.
Florida State’s Kevin Mebil got credit for the win after throwing three hitless innings in relief; Trey Beard started and struck out six over five frames.
The teams are scheduled to meet again Sunday at Dick Howser Stadium.
