TALAHASSEE, Fla. – In a showcase of offensive firepower and four lead changes, No. 6 UCF (14-4) was outgunned 15-11 by No. 11 Florida State (15-3) in a series sweep that is sure to knock the Knights down a few ranks come Monday. Both teams totaled twelve hits on the day, but the 26 runs put up by the Seminoles over two games completely dismantled the UCF pitching staff.
“The bottom line in these two games is you’ve gotta pitch better. I mean you give up 26 runs in two games, you can’t win. We got exposed a little bit in regard to pitching behind the count, walking guys, up in the zone, just the basics of pitching,” Head Coach Rooney said.
In the midst of what can only be described as chaotic carnage from the plate, Logan Heiser had a day that will go down as one of the best offensive days a freshman has ever had for the Gold and Black: 4-5, two home runs, a triple, a double, five RBIS and three runs scored.
Heiser tore the cover off the ball, locked in from the start.
“I felt great today, it all started in BP. I was swinging it really well, seeing the ball really well, was able to make solid contact from almost every single swing and just came into the game,” Heiser said. “The ball looked really big today, I was able to square up on some balls and they were able to fly out of the park.”
Not only did he have an absolutely monster game from the start, but he gunned a runner at second and didn’t let anyone run on him for the rest of his time in the squat.
“I’ve always tried to focus more on catching,” Heiser said. “They always say with catchers that the catching comes first and the hitting comes second. So if you’re able to do both, that’s great.”
Tuesday night’s woes seemed to be mirrored by the Seminoles on Wednesday, loading the bases early in the second on two walks and a catcher’s interference call. Each of the three runners gifted to UCF would score, flipping the switch on Game One’s 3-0 start.
Then Quincy Nieporte happened.
Nieporte has never hit a home run as a Seminole. In back-to-back visits to the plate he went deep twice to place himself in the history books alongside a Major League legend; Mr. Buster Posey. Posey was the last Seminole to drive in seven or more runs in a single game, back in April of 2007.
His first shot of the day was a game-tying three run shot in the second inning, which could only be topped by his Grand Slam to the deepest part of the park in the very next inning. Both home runs came off of different pitchers, the second being the first time Zach Rodgers took the mound in the game.
“Two first pitch swings, seven RBI’s right there, obviously he took very god swings on those two pitches and did a nice job. That’s what you need to win big games,” said Rooney.
Playing from behind however, is anything but uncomfortable for the No. 6 ranked Knights. After falling behind 3-7, there was instant retribution. A five run top of the fourth put them back on top. Logan Heiser and Dylan Moore both tattooed two run home runs, and Eric Barber notched an RBI single as well.
The big inning bled into the Knights’ attitude for the rest of the game. Zach Rodgers found himself after serving up the four-bagger, settling down to last 3.2 innings and stem the bleeding with two earned runs; three of the four from Nieporte’s Grand Slam were credited to Harrison Hukari.
Logan Heiser continued his big day in the fifth inning with the rarely seen catcher-hit triple, his third extra base hit of the game and the most difficult part of hitting for the cycle. UCF fed off of the sight and drove in two runs to extend their lead to 10-7, their second three run lead of the afternoon.
When it came time for his first chance to complete the cycle, Heiser stunned everyone by sending another ball well beyond the outfield walls. The home run extended UCF’s lead to 11-8, but it would not be enough.
Trent Thompson went down hard in the seventh. He could only retire a single batter he faced, getting pulled after 0.1 innings pitched, six hits surrendered and six runs given up. His ERA skyrocketed to 13.50 following the outing, and he was hit with the loss. It was enough for the Seminoles to steal the lead, the momentum, and the crowd back.
Even after the nightmare of an outing, Rooney insisted he has complete faith in Thompson on the mound moving forward.
“He’s gonna get back out there. He’s a great pitcher, he’s done a great job for us the entire year. He’s gonna get back out there and I know he’s gonna have a great outing. I’m not worried about him one bit,” affirmed Rooney.
Tanner Olson came on in relief, but was unable to record a single out in a short outing.
In all, Florida State’s seventh inning rally totaled them seven runs and a four run lead. The seven hits in the inning were as many or more than they had scored in nine total games this year. UCF watched in agony not only as their three run lead was shattered before their eyes, but as FSU piled on the additional runs.
No walks were drawn by FSU during the surge, just pure unadulterated decimation of a pitching staff.
There is no quit in these Knights, not when they know from experience how vital a single pitch can be to the outcome of a season. Everything matters. Tuesday night was a few good at bats, a few batter choices on the basepaths and a few strikes away from a huge comeback; just a taste of what the team is capable of. Wednesday was one big inning away from a decisive victory.
“We’re just going to get back after it tomorrow, keep doing what we’re doing and everything will be alright,” Tommy Williams said.
UCF returns home for a weekend series against Fairfield, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday.
