COLLEGE ROUNDUP : Titans’ Parisi Tops Seminoles Again

Mike Parisi could make a habit out of pitching against Florida State. Each time out gets a bit better for the Cal State Fullerton right-hander.

Parisi, Florida State’s nemesis in last year’s College World Series, fired a six-hitter as the sixth-ranked Titans shut down No. 23 FSU, 6-2, Saturday in front of 2,241 at Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee, fla.

The Titans (5-4) avenged Friday night’s 3-2 loss to Florida State in this impromptu three-game series that concludes today at 10 a.m. In doing so, Fullerton handed the Seminoles (8-1) their first loss of the season.

Parisi (2-0) and some timely Titan hitting did the most damage. The sophomore from Arcadia retired 10 batters in a row late in the game on the way to his second complete game.

That was an improvement over last year’s World Series, in which he combined with Paco Chavez for a six-hitter, as the Titans eliminated Florida State, 6-0. Parisi’s performance also leaves Fullerton’s bullpen untouched heading into today’s game.

“I thought he was in control of the game,” Titan coach Augie Garrido said of Parisi. “He was able to pitch backward, is what we call it. Throwing a changeup when a fastball is called for. That comes with maturity. We feel he’s stronger, more experienced.”

Parisi said he felt stronger facing FSU for the second time, even if he isn’t a dominating pitcher. Parisi had only three strikeouts with four walks.

“I’m not (Friday night starter) Dan Ricabal, who has a rubber arm and can throw 150 pitches,” Parisi said. “I was basically a freshman last year, who had nothing to lose. This year, they expect more out of me.”

The Titans kept chipping away at FSU pitchers, knocking out starter Bryan Harris (0-1) in the third inning. Tony Banks’ single and Bret Hemphill’s sacrifice fly keyed a two-run rally that helped build a 4-0 Titan lead.