Top-25 ACC Powers Collide as Seminoles Visit Cavaliers

LAKE MONTICELLO, Va. (Interstat) — A pivotal early-season Atlantic Coast Conference series begins Thursday when the Florida State Seminoles visit the Virginia Cavaliers at Davenport Field.

First pitch is set for 6 p.m. under cloudy skies with a game-time temperature of 82 degrees.

The matchup features two of the league’s hottest teams. Florida State (22-6) arrives having won 10 of its last 12, including a 6-3 midweek victory at Stetson on Tuesday. Virginia (23-7) is coming off a dominant 16-2, seven-inning win over Old Dominion that same day, and has won six of its last eight.

A key duel will feature Florida State right-hander Cooper Whited against Virginia’s potent lineup, spearheaded by first baseman Sam Harris. Whited has been exceptional in recent relief appearances, not allowing a hit over his last 11 innings spanning three outings, though he has surrendered four earned runs in that span with 14 strikeouts.

Harris provides the thunder for the Cavaliers. He is coming off a historic performance against Old Dominion, going a perfect 5-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs. For the season, he leads Virginia in home runs and RBIs.

The Seminoles’ bullpen shone Tuesday, with Whited, Brodie Purcell and John Abraham combining for 7 1/3 hitless innings of relief against Stetson. Virginia’s offense, however, presents a far greater challenge. The Cavaliers have scored 10 or more runs in eight games this season.

This series opener could set the tone for the weekend and the ACC standings. According to Interstat’s game simulator, this contest projects as a high-scoring affair, with a predicted final of Florida State 8, Virginia 7.

The series continues Friday and Saturday at Davenport Field.