FSU softball: Takeways from ‘Noles two game sweep of Oklahoma St.

FSU softball (45-5, 16-5 ACC) had an important two-game series with the No. 7 Oklahoma State Cowgirls. The Noles won both games with scores of 2-1(9 innings) and 2-1.

I wrote in the preview both teams were evenly matched, and those scores are reflective of that. Oklahoma State had been stingy all season with lots of strikeouts, and their offense had been potent with over 60 home runs and several ladies hitting over .300.

However, FSU pitchers have been stingy as well, although they didn’t have the strikeouts their pitchers had.

I felt if the Noles couple put the ball in play, they could put pressure on Oklahoma State’s defense which hasn’t been tested as much due to the number of strikeouts their pitcher has.

That’s exactly what happened in game one with the bases loaded, and FSU forced a bad throw to win the game in extra innings.

The second game was a pitcher’s duel, and a pinch-hit home run by Chloe Culp was the difference-maker.

Key Takeways

-Danielle Watson shutdown a potent offense
-FSU’s defense was outstanding with several webgems
-FSU continues to find ways to win against top teams

Watson went seven innings, allowing one run on five hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. That’s the type of performance FSU needs from her if they want to make it back to compete for another national title. Mack Leonard continues to log valuable innings and is becoming another dependable arm on the mound for the postseason. Emma Wilson looked great in two innings pitched.

Webgems

FSU softball is a team that can beat you in a variety of ways. Their defense is elite, they have solid pitching, and have several players that can come through in clutch offensive situations. The ladies will be back in action Wednesday at 7 p.m. looking for the season sweep over the rival Florida Gators.