Florida State became the only ACC team to reach the College World Series, as they pounded Stanford, 18-7.

Via FSU Athletic Dept.

FSU showed no ill-effects of the day off on Saturday due to rain, as they came out on fire in the very first inning. After a two out walk to captain James Ramsey, Jayce Boyd followed with a two-run homerun. From that point on, there was no let up by the players or the crowd.

The Seminoles chased Stanford starter Brett Mooneyham with no outs, a run in, and two men on base in the second inning. Stanford went to their closer, AJ Vanegas (though he did start on Tuesday’s this season). With one out, Sherman Johnson hit a three-run homerun.

Stanford had PLENTY of chances (they had 18 total hits). They loaded the bases with a run in, but FSU turned the double play to end the 3rd inning. The next inning, Stanford had runners at the corners, but FSU again turned the DP to end the inning.

Freshman FSU starter Mike Compton was done in the 5th inning with men on base. However Gage Smith entered in relief and the FSU defense turned yet another inning-ending DP (though the middle infield defense did kick the ball around).

Vanegas did not allow another hit after the Johnson homerun until the 6th inning. Johnson touched him again for a two out, two-run single.

Then Stanford FINALLY broke through in the 7th inning with four runs. With two outs and the bases loaded, Hunter Scantling came on in relief to face Stephen Piscotty (who was 4-for-4 at the time). Scantling got Piscotty to ground out to third base to end the inning.

Just when it looked like all the momentum was on Stanford’s side, FSU busted out for more. After a bases loaded walk to Stephen McGee drove in one run, Justin Gonzalez drove in two runs with a single off the third baseman’s glove. Later in the inning, Seth Miller hit a grand slam to give FSU the 18-6 lead and blow the game back wide open. Miller did not start the game, but entered as a pinch-hitter for Jose Brizuela (who went 0-for-2).

Closer Robert Benincasa faced a bevy of Stanford pinch-hitters in the bottom of the 9th inning. He allowed a hit and a walk, but struck out the side. The final strikeout set off the dog pile around the mound.

*FSU will face Arizona in their first game in Omaha next weekend.

**In two Super Regional games against Stanford, FSU out-scored Stanford 25-8.