TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Interstat) — Wes Mendes struck out 12 over 5 1/3 innings, allowing just one hit and one earned run, to lead Florida State past Northern Kentucky 7-3 on Friday at Mike Martin Field at Dick Howser Stadium.

The Seminoles (11-2) pounded 10 hits. Noah Sheffield and Will Bavaro each homered and drove in two runs. Bavaro’s solo shot in the sixth broke a 4-4 tie. The Norse (7-5) managed only one hit, scoring twice on a third-inning error and once on a fielder’s choice. Chris Knier earned the save with 4 2/3 hitless innings of relief. The result defied a national projection favoring a high-scoring Norse victory, instead highlighting Florida State’s pitching strength.