TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A dramatic late-game surge propelled Florida State to a 5-2 victory over Mississippi State, securing the Seminoles’ position in the super regionals of the NCAA Tournament. Cal Fisher ignited the rally with a crucial two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning, leveling the score. In the eighth, Max Williams delivered a decisive two-run single to give the Seminoles the lead, culminating in their win at the Tallahassee Regional.
Florida State, now boasting a 41-14 record, is making its 61st appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Although the Seminoles have advanced to the College World Series on 24 occasions, they have yet to clinch a championship title. Notably, they were the runners-up in 1970, 1986, and 1999. Only Texas and Miami surpass Florida State in College World Series appearances, with 38 and 25 respectively.
The game began with Mississippi State taking an early lead when Gehrig Frei hit a home run on the opening pitch from Florida State’s Wes Mendes. Later, Joe Powell extended the Bulldogs’ advantage with another home run in the fifth inning, establishing a 2-0 lead.
Mendes performed solidly on the mound for Florida State, allowing five hits while striking out nine batters. Despite this, the Seminoles initially struggled against Mississippi State’s starter, Karson Ligon, who gave up four hits and five walks but managed to keep Florida State scoreless during his four innings on the mound. Luke Dotson later took over pitching duties for the Bulldogs, where he relinquished the lead and yielded four hits and a walk over three innings, striking out seven in total. Ultimately, Ryan McPherson was responsible for the final two runs scored by the Seminoles.
Fisher’s pivotal home run came off Dotson after Myles Bailey set the stage with a leadoff double. Dotson exited after a leadoff walk in the eighth, and Bailey contributed further by driving in a run with a single. Mississippi State, making its 41st tournament appearance, has a history of 12 College World Series appearances, including their win in 2021 and runner-up finish in 2013. The previous day, Florida State had also triumphed over the Bulldogs with a 10-3 victory.