'Nole of the week: FSU baseball ace Wes Mendes

Junior left-handed pitcher Wes Mendes has established himself as Florida State’s Friday night ace this season, setting the tone for every weekend series. Mendes, a University of Mississippi transfer, made an immediate impact upon arriving in Tallahassee last year, recording 90 strikeouts over 78 innings in his first season with the Seminoles.

Mendes has taken another step forward this year. Through 51 innings, he has already racked up 74 strikeouts and ranks No. 26 nationally in strikeouts per nine innings. After earning Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Week honors on March 30 and producing multiple career-best outings, Mendes is elevating the success he found last season.

Mendes earned this week’s ’Nole of the Week honors in recognition of his continued dominance on the mound. The FSView spoke with him about his game-day preparation and his go-to postgame meals.

Mendes on his favorite pitch, most memorable strikeout

FSView Q: What is your most memorable strikeout?

Mendes: Probably last year in the regional against Mississippi State. It went pretty viral after the fact. I got a little animated but it was a big strikeout, it was a good one.

Q: What is your favorite pitch to throw?

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Wes: “Probably my changeup. It's probably I’d say my best pitch, gets a lot of swing and misses.”

Q: Who’s your favorite player in the league? Any childhood idols?

Wes: “David Price, I used to love David Price growing up. He was a Ray and I’m from Tampa, a left handed pitcher, so big Rays fan.”