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Link Jarrett welcomes former team, Notre Dame, as FSU baseball continues red hot start
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- Link Jarrett welcomes former team, Notre Dame, as FSU baseball continues red hot start
After its 12-8 win at No. 8 Florida Tuesday, it can be debated Florida State baseball is emerging as one of the top teams in the nation.
The 15-0 Seminoles and 17-0 Texas A&M Aggies are the two remaining undefeated Division I teams.
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In what should be a memorable weekend for FSU head coach Link Jarrett , the Seminoles open ACC play against Notre Dame (11-5, 0-3 ACC) at Howser Stadium Friday in a three-game series.
Grateful for the opportunities
Notre Dame Head Coach Link Jarrett walks on the field during the first round of the NCAA Knoxville Super Regionals between Tennessee and Notre Dame at Lindsey Nelson Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, June 10, 2022. Kns Tennessee Notre Dame
Jarrett spent three seasons at Notre Dame from 2020 to 2022 prior to being named FSU's coach. Jarrett went 86-32 and led the Fighting Irish to their first College World Series appearance in 20 years in 2022.
"Some of the things that were accomplished, they're pretty unique and some of the guys on that team had a hand in it," Jarrett said. "It's just a lot of neat moments that I remember. A lot of those players are gone, but there's still some that we recruited that are still there and have that piece to it."
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Jarrett's coaching journey has included stints at Auburn UNC Greensboro, East Carolina, Mercer and Flagler. He had the opportunity at Notre Dame to coach against his son, former North Carolina State shortstop J.T. Jarrett. He was also part of one of the most-watched NCAA Super Regionals in 2022 between Notre Dame and Tennessee.
Jarrett said he's grateful for these moments and opportunities, one that has led to a return to his hometown and alma mater at FSU.
"You go into it thinking this is where my kids are gonna grow up. I thought my kids might grow up in Greensboro, or South Bend and Notre Dame That university and the way they treated my family was unbelievable," Jarrett said.
"This opportunity happens your back home to help my parents and to help this program to try to finish some things personally from a Florida State player/coaching feel that I've had and wanted to do. You don't know that these things are ever going to happen.
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"You just try to take full advantage of them."
"They've got good trademarks"
Florida State baseball hosted South Florida on Feb. 27, 2024, at Dick Howser Stadium.
Pitching has been an early strength for the Seminoles.
Lefty starter Jamie Arnold has not surrendered an earned run in 22 innings. He has allowed 14 hits, struck out 32 and walked five. Cam Leiter has a 2.70 ERA, allowing seven runs on 15 hits, walking 12 and striking out 31 in 20 innings. Conner Whittaker rounds out the weekend starting rotation with a 3.63 ERA. He's allowed eight runs on 13 hits, walking three and striking out 23 in 17.1 innings.
"When you go into this, you have the luxury of three capable starting pitchers. It's a good feeling," Jarrett said. "Now, because of those three guys, going Friday, Saturday, Sunday, the bullpen leverage guys, every one of these outs is important."
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"You just hope by doing this you're shrinking some of the outs that are probably more important late in the game than early in the game."
The Seminoles have enjoyed the same consistency on offense.
FSU is hitting at .376, led by Cam Smith at .485 (33-for-68) with four home runs. James Tibbs III leads the team with eight home runs and 29 RBIs to go with his .387 batting average. Drew Faurot , the UCF transfer and Florida High alum, is batting .406 (26-for-64) with 20 runs and 10 RBIs.
"They've got good trademarks. I've seen a lot of championship teams and they have some of those trademarks, Jarrett said. "The intensity, attention to that in-game details and confidence because they feel that they have the capability to execute a lot of these tasks, from us as coaches.
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"They work very hard. The alignment of the traits of quality teams, I see it and it is fun to watch."
How to watch FSU baseball vs. Notre Dame
Who:Florida State (15-0) vs. Notre Dame (11-5, 0-3 ACC)
When:Friday, 6 p.m. at Dick Howser Stadium, Tallahassee, Fl.
TV/Radio:ACCNX/100.7 FM
Jack Williams covers Florida State athletics for Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at jwilliams@tallahassee.com or on X @jackgwilliams.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Hot FSU baseball opens ACC play against Link Jarretts former squad, Notre Dame
