No. 10 Florida State softball sails past South Alabama in the midweek win

Florida State softball extended its win streak to 11 on Thursday, took down South Alabama 8-4 to advance to 22-4 on the season before starting ACC play this weekend.

Lineup

• SS – Isa Torres (JR)

• 3B – Jaysoni Beachum (JR)

• C – Bella Ruggiero (R FR)

• CF – Kennedy Harp (JR)

• RF – Ashtyn Danley (JR)

• DP – Anna Hinde (FR)

• 2B – Marin Heller (FR)

• LF – Makenna Sturgis (FR)

• 1B – Angelee Bueno (JR)

• LHP – Marlee Gaskell (FR)

Recap

In her midweek start against South Alabama, Marlee Gaskell had a bit of a rough start. Despite not giving up any runs, Gaskell did have hits against her. She was able to strand a pair of runners, including one at third, with a strikeout.

For South Alabama, it was Tori Miller in the circle for the Jaguars. Facing a hot hitting Isa Torres, Torres capitalized early with a lead off solo homerun. The Seminoles had a pair of baserunners after the homerun, but Miller kept it a one run ballgame.

Gaskell had a one out baserunner, and South Alabama threatening in the second inning. The Jaguars had a double into the gap, and the runner was attempting to score all the way from first. A relay from Makenna Sturgis, Torres, to Bella Ruggiero to gun down the run and keep it a 1-0 lead.

Gaskell continued to collect hits, as a lead off double began the inning for the Jaguars. With a runner on third, Bella Dimitrijevic entered the game. A wild pitch moved the runner to third base, and a single tied the game at one run a piece.

Dimitrijevic put a Jaguar on base with a walk before getting the second out. A single on the infield was not tossed to first quick enough, and the runner from second came around to score. The Jags took a 2-1 lead before FSU went back to their bats.

Three straight hits from Torres, Jaysoni Beachum, and Ruggiero tied the game right back up for FSU. With no outs, and two on base, Kennedy Harp made her presence known with a three run bomb.

Following the long ball, Miller’s time in the circle came to an end. Sydney Scapin took over, and quieted the rest of the ‘Noles offense for the inning.

Dimitrijevic quickly had the bases loaded with one out. A walk and two singles had the Jags occupying every base. A big double play from Heller to Torres to Angelee Bueno got Dimitrijevic out of the jam, and keeping the 5-2 lead.

With two outs, Scapin and the Jaguar defense opted to walk Torres. A stolen base later, she was coming around to score on a single from Beachum.

Makenna Reid became the third pitcher of the day for FSU in the 6th. It took Reid just two pitches to get her first out, and following the out, USA added a run on a solo homerun. Reid worked around the lone run, and got herself two strikeouts.

FSU got the run back after Hayley Griggs got to second on a bunt and error, and scored on a wild pitch and second error. The second error also allowed Shelby McKenzie to reach base safely with only one out. A single from Torres brought up Beachum. A fielder’s choice erased Torres, and allowed Angelee Bueno to score.

Up 8-3, Reid gave up a lead off triple in the top of the 7th. FSU traded an out for a run, as the runner crossed home plate. After a hit by pitch, Jazzy Francik came on for the final two outs. Back to back strikeouts from Francik closed out the game, clinching the ‘Noles 11th straight win.

Up Next

FSU will host their first ACC opponent when they welcome Syracuse

• Friday March 13th, 6 pm, ACCNX

• Saturday March 14th, 1 pm, ACCNX

• Sunday March 15th, 12 pm, ACCNX