FSU softball: Noles shut out Clemson for the series sweep

FSU softball (43-5, 16-5 ACC) shut out the Clemson Tigers 6-0 to take the series sweep in the first-ever matchup between the two teams.

The first two games were incredibly close, with the Noles rallying from behind in both games to win by scores of 5-4 and 7-6.

The loss Friday night seemed to take it out of the Clemson Tigers as the Noles wasted no time grabbing an early lead Saturday afternoon. Jahni Kerr got the Noles on the board with an RBI single in the bottom of the second inning.

However, it was the bottom of the third where most of the damage occurred. Kalei Harding remained on fire with an RBI single. Devyn Flaherty had an RBI single, and Michaela Edenfield got out of her mini-slump with a two-run home run on a 3-0 count to make it 5-0.

Sydney Sherrill capped off the scoring with a sac-fly RBI in the bottom of the fourth. The pitching saw several players take turns on the mound. Emma Wilson and Danielle Watson combined to pitch one inning, allowing no hits, one walk, and two strikeouts.

Mack Leonard seems to be readying herself for more appearances on the mound as the postseason nears. She went 3.2 innings, allowing two hits, one walk, and a strikout. Kathryn Sandercock (23-1) got the win, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts.

The defense was outstanding, turning a double play and Kaley Mudge making a diving play that should be on Sportscenter’s Top 10 later.

It was an important win for the Noles. It’s a sweep in conference play against a ranked team, and sets the tone between two programs meeting for the first time.

Clemson is a good hitting ball club, and although FSU pitchers allowed some home runs, I think we’re beginning to see Danielle Watson regain her form, and the emergence of Mack Leonard will be important in the postseason. If the FSU offense continues to play at this level, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.