
Parkston Rays begin amateur baseball title defense looking to build on 2025 breakthrough
Parkston Rays begin their title defense in 2025 amateur baseball season after last year's championship win.
FSU pitcher Wes Mendes has been named a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded to the best collegiate baseball player. He has a 2.68 ERA and a 9-3 record this season.
The No. 11 Florida State baseball team defeated its rival, the Miami Hurricanes, on Thursday in a thrilling come-from-behind win in 11 innings. A walkoff bases-loaded walk sealed the 7-6 win, and a large part of the win came thanks to the services of pitcher Wes Mendes.
Thanks to his stellar performance all season, Mendes has been named a Dick Howser Trophy Award semifinalist. The award is given to the best collegiate baseball player in the country, and it's no surprise that Mendes is in the running for it.
Mendes has posted an ERA of 2.68 this season with a record of 9-3 on the mound. He is the only player at Florida State this season to post an ERA below 3.00 with 10 or more games pitched. In 84 innings pitched, he has been a nightmare to go against for opposing batters.
In 2025, Florida State's Alex Lodise was the Dick Howser Award winner, so the Seminoles will look to make it a back-to-back win in this prestigious award. Notable names who have won the award include major leaguers Paul Skenes and Mike Zunino.
Florida State has just two more games to play in the regular season, both against Miami. Friday's match starts at 6 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the game on the ACC Network Extra.
Contact/Follow us @FSUWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of FSU news, notes, and opinions. Jacob Smith is a contributor for FSU Wire, part of the USA TODAY Network. You can also follow Jacob on X at @jsmith_sports.
This article originally appeared on FSU Wire:
Wes Mendes is a pitcher for Florida State University, recognized as a Dick Howser Award semifinalist for his impressive season performance, including a 2.68 ERA and a 9-3 record.
The Dick Howser Trophy is awarded to the best collegiate baseball player in the United States, highlighting exceptional talent and performance in college baseball.
This season, Wes Mendes has a 2.68 ERA, a 9-3 win-loss record, and has pitched 84 innings, making him a standout player for the team.

Parkston Rays begin their title defense in 2025 amateur baseball season after last year's championship win.


Blake Snell heads back to the injured list after just one start due to elbow issues.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.