Quote:Robinson set to break hitting streak record
By Steve Ellis
Tallahassee Democrat

The first steps taken on the road this week were mostly good ones for Florida State.

Shane Robinson tied J.D. Drew's 34-game hitting streak. FSU easily handled Jacksonville on Wednesday night, and starter Hunter Jones  looked more like his old self.

The focus will be on Robinson today when he tries to break the FSU record in a 3p.m. game at Duke. League victories also are critical. But this series will also be important for the pitching. If FSU is to make a serious run at the ACC title, the Seminoles must find a consistently dependable starting weekend rotation.

Jones made a bid for that Wednesday night in holding Jacksonville to six hits in six innings. He did not allow a walk.

"I told Hunter Jones two weeks ago for us to be as good as we need to be, he needs to be in our weekend rotation," FSU associate head coach Jamey Shouppe said. "But it's up to him to prove he is ready for that.  We had him look at tape from the Arizona State game (last season) and he picked up his tempo (Wednesday). He needs to get better each outing."

Jones will start against Florida when the Gators play in Tallahassee on Wednesday.

Sauls, who will start Sunday, needs to work on his velocity after missing nearly a month because of injury.

"We're looking to get his arm strength back," Shouppe said. "He was 91 (mph), 92 every time he came out in the fall. Velocity is a big part of his game."

Barret Browning will start today, and Michael Hyde gets the nod on Saturday.

The biggest plus for FSU has been Kevin Lynch, who has been mostly dominating out of the bullpen.

"Kevin Lynch has been very important to the success of our club," Shouppe said.

Shouppe said coaches have decided not to redshirt Brian Chambers and he will be available against Duke. Third baseman Bryan Henry also is expected to be used on the mound.

Noteworthy

Shortstop Nick Francis was sent back to Tallahassee following the Jacksonville game for what Martin said was "behavior-related" after Francis reacted poorly in the clubhouse following his second strikeout of the game. He will not play against Duke. This is the second suspension for Francis, who missed games earlier this season after being disciplined for academic reasons.