FSU softball: Noles defeat Tarheels Sunday to capture series win

FSU softball (39-5, 12-4 ACC) defeated the North Carolina Tarheels 9-2 Sunday to capture the series win after falling on Saturday. The Noles jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning behind a 2-run home run from Mack Leonard.

The Noles brought two more runs in the top of the fourth behind RBI doubles from Sydney Sherrill and Mack Leonard. However, North Carolina got on the board with two runs with a two-out hit in the bottom of the fourth after Kathryn Sandercock held them hitless for the first three innings.

However, the Noles flexed their power with two solo home runs from Kalei Harding and Jahni Kerr in the top of the sixth to give the Noles a 6-2 lead. Harding hit another three-run home run in the top of the seventh to make it 9-2.

Sandercock threw six innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, no walks, and seven strikeouts. Mack Leonard pitched the final frame, allowing one walk, no hits, and no runs.

Takeaways

FSU softball expected to sweep the Tarheels, who have not had a great season. However, when you’re one of the best teams in the nation, opposing teams will look to raise their games with the expectation to make a statement.

It was good to see the offense get going Sunday after struggling for much of the first two games.

The Noles only scored three runs in the first two games combined but exploded with 11 hits and nine runs Sunday. Sandercock remains consistent as the ace of the staff, but FSU softball will need Danielle Watson to elevate her game if they are to make a deep postseason run.

Watson has struggled of late because she’s allowed 17 hits and eight earned runs in her last 10.1 innings pitched.

She has six walks and eight strikeouts and hasn’t been the dominant pitcher the Noles need to pair with Sandercock. If she regains her form, the Noles will be a tough out for anyone.

The Noles will be back in action Tuesday against Stetson before hosting Clemson next weekend.