Cal Is Eliminated by Florida State, 5-4

Florida State is the College World Series’ ultimate bridesmaid.

The Seminoles are making their 12th World Series appearance, their fifth in seven seasons, and are still in search of their first national title.

Florida State’s 5-4 victory over California Sunday ended the Seminoles’ five-game losing streak in Series play and kept them in contention for the championship.

Cal, a 4-3 loser to Miami (Fla.) in its opener, ended its season at 35-28.

Florida State (49-20) will play an elimination game Tuesday against Cal State Fullerton (43-16), which lost to Miami, 4-3, Sunday night.

“This club has maintained its composure all season,” said Florida State Coach Mike Martin, who is one victory shy of his 13th consecutive 50-victory season.

“We’re in the same situation we were in during the regional, when we lost our first game. This club has shown it can bounce back.”

Florida State left-hander Tim Davis is not expected to bounce back quickly after throwing 164 pitches during his complete-game victory. Davis (9-4), a senior, gave up nine hits and had nine strikeouts.

Cal was trailing, 5-3, with one out and the bases loaded during the eighth when Davis struck out Eddie Comeaux, a freshman from Pomona, then got Dan Trump to line out to right.

“I could see activity in the bullpen, and that makes a pitcher work even harder,” Davis said. “I didn’t want to come out of the game.”

Cal’s Chris Clapinski homered in the bottom of the ninth before Davis retired Jon Zuber on a ground ball and Troy Penix and Matt Luke on fly balls to end the game.