#10 NC State Falls 11-5 in Tallahassee as #11 FSU evens series ahead of today’s finale

The #10 NC State Wolfpack dropped game two of their ACC series to #11 Florida State, falling 11-5 on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee. The loss evens the series at 1-1, setting up a decisive rubber match on Sunday with the series on the line.

Florida State jumped on NC State early, scoring two in the first and adding another in the second to take a quick 3-0 lead. The Seminoles kept the pressure on with steady production, including a big six-run sixth inning that blew the game open. They finished with 11 runs on 14 hits while taking advantage of NC State miscues.

The Wolfpack managed five runs on nine hits but struggled to string together consistent offense against a strong FSU pitching mix. Luke Nixon led the way with a 4-for-5 day and two RBI, while Ty Head went 2-for-5 with a solo home run in the eighth. Jacob Dudan took the loss after five innings, allowing eight runs on eight hits with four walks and six strikeouts. Collins Black and Danny Heintz worked in relief but couldn’t contain the Seminole rally.

Florida State got multi-hit games from Myles Bailey (3-for-4, home run, three RBI) and John Stuetzer (3-for-5, RBI), with Bailey also delivering a two-run homer in the first. Chris Knier earned the win in relief, and Brodie Purcell closed it out for his second save.

The series now hangs in the balance heading into Sunday’s finale. NC State will likely turn to right-hander Heath Andrews on the mound, a matchup that could play well against FSU’s predominantly right-handed lineup. First pitch is expected around 1 p.m. ET—this one’s for the series win in a high-stakes ACC battle.