Miami loses the series to No. 5 Florida State as pitching fails once more.

The Miami Hurricanes baseball team suffered a tough series loss to the No. 5 ranked Florida State Seminoles, as pitching woes once again proved to be their Achilles’ heel. Over three games, the Hurricanes struggled to contain the Seminoles’ explosive offense, leading to a 2-1 series defeat at Mark Light Field in Coral Gables. Despite a valiant effort in Game 2, the Hurricanes’ inability to hold off Florida State’s bats cost them dearly.

Game 1: Florida State Dominates, Miami Overwhelmed 14-1

The opening game of the series was a disaster for Miami. The Seminoles put on an offensive clinic, delivering a crushing 14-1 defeat to the Hurricanes in just seven innings due to the mercy rule. Florida State launched six home runs in the game, with Alex Lodise leading the charge by going 4-for-5, including two home runs and five RBIs.

Miami’s pitching crumbled early, with starter Robert McCollum lasting just 2.1 innings, giving up six earned runs on seven hits. The Hurricanes’ bullpen didn’t fare any better, allowing eight more runs as Florida State’s hitters teed off throughout the contest.

On the mound, Florida State’s Joey Volini was dominant, pitching a complete game and giving up just two hits and one earned run while striking out nine. The Hurricanes’ offense was lifeless, with their lone run coming in the bottom of the sixth from a solo homer by Carlos Pérez.

“We didn’t execute our pitches, and we paid for it,” Miami head coach J.D. Arteaga said. “You can’t give a team like Florida State opportunities, or they’ll make you pay.”

Game 2: Miami Bounces Back, Takes 9-6 Win

Miami showed resilience in Game 2, bouncing back with a 9-6 victory. The Hurricanes took advantage of a rare rough outing by Florida State ace Jamie Arnold, who allowed six runs on seven hits over four innings.

Miami’s offense struck early, with Zach Levenson and Yohandy Morales each delivering two-RBI doubles in a five-run second inning. The Hurricanes built a 6-0 lead before Florida State responded in the middle innings.

While Miami’s pitching wasn’t flawless, it was good enough. Starter Alejandro Torres pitched five innings, allowing four runs on six hits, before the bullpen held off Florida State’s attempts at a comeback. The Seminoles scored twice in the seventh inning to cut the lead to 7-6, but Miami’s closer, Chris Scinta, shut them down in the final two innings.

“That’s the type of fight we need to show every night,” Morales said. “We have the talent, but we have to be more consistent.”

Game 3: Florida State Uses Big Inning to Clinch Series

The series-deciding game was a rollercoaster, but Florida State once again capitalized on Miami’s pitching struggles to take a 10-6 victory. The Hurricanes took an early 3-1 lead, but a seven-run fourth inning by the Seminoles turned the tide.

Florida State’s offense continued to be relentless, with every batter in the lineup reaching base. Max Williams contributed a three-run home run, while Alex Lodise added two more RBIs to his weekend total.

Miami’s pitching collapse was highlighted by three consecutive walks, setting the stage for Florida State’s big inning. Hurricanes relievers struggled with command, and the Seminoles took full advantage with timely hitting.

Despite Miami clawing back with two runs in the seventh, Florida State’s bullpen shut the door, with Peyton Prescott delivering four scoreless innings of relief.

“We had them on the ropes early, but then we let the game slip away,” Arteaga said. “That one bad inning killed us.”

Miami’s Pitching Problems Persist

Throughout the series, Miami’s inability to keep Florida State’s hitters in check was a glaring issue. The Hurricanes surrendered a total of 30 runs across three games, and their pitching staff failed to deliver quality starts when it mattered most.

McCollum’s struggles in Game 1 set the tone for the series, while the bullpen’s inconsistency in Game 3 prevented Miami from securing a series win. The Hurricanes’ inability to limit damage in key moments—such as Florida State’s seven-run fourth inning in the finale—was a major factor in their downfall.

“We’re putting too much pressure on our offense to score 8-10 runs a game,” Arteaga admitted. “If we don’t get more consistency on the mound, it’s going to be tough to win these big series.”

Florida State’s Offense Proves Why They’re a Top Team

The Seminoles showcased why they are one of the top-ranked teams in the nation. They outscored Miami 30-16 over the three games and displayed power, plate discipline, and timely hitting.

Alex Lodise was the standout player of the series, going 8-for-14 with three home runs and 10 RBIs. Max Williams also had a strong performance, with multiple extra-base hits and five RBIs.

Florida State’s ability to put pressure on Miami’s pitching early and often made the difference. Their lineup depth meant there were no easy outs, and every mistake by Miami was capitalized on.

“We approach every game with the mindset that we’re going to make pitchers work,” Florida State head coach Link Jarrett said. “Our guys stuck to that plan, and it paid off.”

Implications Moving Forward

For Miami

The series loss exposed serious concerns for Miami’s postseason hopes. With ACC play in full swing, the Hurricanes must address their pitching inconsistencies if they want to remain in contention for a high seed in the conference tournament.

The offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but the lack of reliable starting pitching and bullpen depth is a major issue. The Hurricanes will need their arms to step up in the coming weeks, or they risk falling behind in the competitive ACC standings.

For Florida State

The Seminoles continue to prove that they are legitimate national championship contenders. Their offense is among the best in the country, and if their pitching staff can stay consistent, they will be a tough team to beat in the postseason.

With this series win, Florida State improves to 22-4 on the season and strengthens their hold on a top spot in the national rankings.

Miami’s series loss to Florida State was a tough blow, but it also highlighted the areas they need to improve if they want to compete at an elite level. Pitching remains a significant concern, and unless they can shore up their rotation and bullpen, they will struggle against top-tier opponents.

On the other hand, Florida State reaffirmed their status as a powerhouse, demonstrating a balanced attack that will serve them well in the postseason. The Seminoles’ ability to exploit Miami’s pitching weaknesses was the defining factor in the series, and they leave Coral Gables with a confidence-boosting series win.

With the season still in progress, Miami has time to make adjustments, but the road ahead won’t get any easier. The Hurricanes must find solutions fast, or their ACC title hopes could quickly slip away.