Florida State landed its first transfer pitcher on Friday morning when UCF left-hander Jacob Marlowe announced his intention to join the Seminoles.
The 6-foot, 175-pound left-hander went 3-6 with a 5.64 ERA in 2023 as a sophomore. Marlowe pitched in 19 games (eight starts), showing good control with 41 strikeouts and just 12 walks.
"As soon as I entered (the portal), Florida State was one of my first calls and I was very excited to hear what they had to say," Marlowe told the Osceola. "They told me that I could continue to develop and become a better pitcher and that's what I wanted."
Among his best outings of 2023, Marlowe threw a season-high seven innings in a March 15 win over FSU in Orlando. Marlowe gave up eight hits and two runs (one earned) but had five strikeouts and one walk.
Marlowe said the FSU staff talked to him about his start against them as a moment that stood out to them.
"They know I have a lot of experience and that's one of the main things that they wanted..." Marlowe said. "They want a winning culture and that's what they have always preached, it seems like. For me personally, I just wanted to continue to strive to be better, continue developing and I feel like these coaches are the right fit for me. I know they do a lot of great things and that's one of the main factors for why I did it."
As a freshman in 2022, Marlowe had a 3.67 ERA in a smaller role over 27 innings with 22 strikeouts and 10 walks.
Marlowe told the Osceola he hadn't yet communicated with the FSU staff about exactly what his role will be with the Seminoles next season. He'll arrive this summer as a versatile weapon with starting and relief experience.
"My best pitch is I believe my changeup. I'm a very calm and collected pitcher. I just believe in myself," Marlowe said. "I have that confidence knowing that I can throw strikes and I just want to be out there competing."
Marlowe, a native of Naples, Fla. who graduated from Barron Collier High, is the second UCF player to transfer to FSU in as many days. UCF freshman shortstop and Tallahassee native Drew Faurot announced he is transferring to FSU Thursday night.
UNF shortstop Alex Lodise and Alabama outfielder Max Williams also announced they were transferring to FSU on Thursday, bringing the Seminoles' incoming transfer tally to four in a matter of 24 hours' time.
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