Florida State and Mississippi State Clash in Fall Baseball Exhibition

Pensacola, Florida, October 21, 2025

News Summary

In a competitive fall baseball exhibition, Florida State University and Mississippi State University battled at Blue Wahoos Stadium, drawing a sold-out crowd. The first game ended with FSU losing 4-1, while they rebounded in the second game to win 5-2. Key performances included a go-ahead single from one player and a home run from another, showcasing the talent to professional scouts in attendance. This event served as a non-counting rematch after both teams previously met in a regional tournament.

Pensacola, Florida – Florida State University and Mississippi State University faced off in a fall baseball exhibition on October 18, 2025, at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The exciting event attracted a sold-out crowd of 5,038 fans, who witnessed a competitive doubleheader that ended in a split between the two teams.

In the first game of the day, Florida State struggled against Mississippi State, suffering a 4-1 defeat. The decisive runs for Mississippi State came from a two-run double by James Nunnallee in the second inning. Florida State found it challenging to break through the opposing pitching staff, recording their first hit only in the fifth inning. As the game progressed, Florida State was unable to score until the seventh inning, while Mississippi State effectively managed their pitching to secure the win.

The second game flipped the script for Florida State, who claimed victory with a score of 5-2. The turning point occurred in the sixth inning when Kelvyn Paulino Jr. delivered a crucial single that provided Florida State with the go-ahead run. Freshman Manny Lantigua played a key role in the win, contributing with impressive relief pitching that helped seal the game for Florida State. Additionally, FSU’s Eli Putman delivered the only home run of the day in this matchup.

Both games were conducted under challenging wind conditions, with gusts between 20 to 25 mph blowing off Pensacola Bay, impacting gameplay and strategy. Following the first seven-inning game, the teams had a 30-minute break before they returned to the field for the second game.

This exhibition served as a non-counting rematch following an earlier meeting in the NCAA Tallahassee Regional in June 2025, where Florida State emerged victorious. The fall exhibition provided an opportunity for players to showcase their talents in front of professional scouts, with 18 Major League Baseball teams represented by 28 scouts at the event. This interest highlights the potential of many players at the exhibition, especially considering that 18 individuals from a previous exhibition between Florida State and Auburn were selected in the MLB draft.

Florida State’s head coach, Link Jarrett, noted the importance of these competitive games for team development, regardless of whether they are recognized in official standings. This exhibition also marked the unofficial debut of Mississippi State’s new head coach, Brian O’Connor, who had previously coached at Virginia for 22 seasons. The next event for Florida State is scheduled against Alabama-Birmingham on October 25, 2025, in Tallahassee.

Key Highlights

• Attendance: 5,038 fans at Blue Wahoos Stadium
• Game Results: Florida State lost 4-1 in the first game; won 5-2 in the second game
• Significant Plays: Kelvyn Paulino Jr.’s sixth-inning single; Manny Lantigua’s clutch relief pitching; Eli Putman’s home run
• Professional Scout Presence: 28 scouts from 18 Major League Baseball teams
• Next Game: October 25, 2025, against Alabama-Birmingham

Background Context

The match was a continuation of a previous rivalry shaped in the NCAA Tallahassee Regional earlier that summer, where Florida State bested Mississippi State. Given the context of potential MLB draft picks, the exhibition provided ample opportunity for players to demonstrate their skills in front of scouts seeking new talent.

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Additional Resources

• FSU Opens Fall Ball vs. Mississippi State
• FSU vs. Mississippi State Baseball Scrimmage
• MSU to Play Florida State in Pensacola Exhibition
• Blue Wahoos FSU vs. MSU Info
• Wikipedia: Florida State Seminoles Baseball

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