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Seminoles' Holton off to a dominant start to 2017 season

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Florida State sophomore pitcher Tyler Holton struck out a career-high 11 batters in his team's 8-0 win over Samford on Saturday at Dick Howser Stadium.
Florida State sophomore pitcher Tyler Holton struck out a career-high 11 batters in his team's 8-0 win over Samford on Saturday at Dick Howser Stadium. (Gene Williams/Warchant)

Of his career-high 11 strikeouts, there was a stretch between the first and third innings Saturday when Tyler Holton fanned six in a row.

His delivery was fluid. His approach, while aggressive, was measured. The objective was to get ahead in the count, stay ahead and keep hitters guessing. Still, this was not the moment that left Florida State baseball coach Mike Martin most impressed.

FSU's star sophomore left-hander, after his sixth consecutive strikeout, walked the next batter on four straight pitches. Holton then responded by striking out the next batter on four pitches to get out of the top of the third.

Seeing Holton display composure instead of frustration is what struck a chord with Martin in Florida State's 8-0 win over Samford at Dick Howser Stadium.

"I think it shows he's maturing and understanding the game a little bit better. He doesn't get frustrated openly with himself until he's had a chance to work himself out of it," Martin said. "He doesn't get out there and start fussing with himself until that inning is going on. He waited until he came off the mound.

"As soon as I saw his glove go up [to cover his mouth], I thought he ain't talking very nice to himself."

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