FSU softball: Takeaways from doubleheader sweep over FAMU

FSU softball (6-1) defeated the FAMU Rattlers via the eight-run rule in both games of Tuesday’s doubleheader.

The Noles won the first game 8-0 in five innings and the nightcap was 9-1 in six innings. Ali Dubois got her first victory this season, a nice rebound after bad luck in her last outing. She went three innings, allowing one hit and striking out two. She only threw 31 pitches.

Kathryn Sandercock and Emma Wilson made short appearances on the mound. Kayley Mudge, Katie Dack, and Devyn Flaherty had two hits in the game. Mudge got things going reaching on an error in the bottom of the first.

She stole second base and scored on a double by Mack Leonard. Kalei Harding walked, and Makayla Edenfield hit a three-run home run to stretch the lead to 4-0.

FSU softball got on the board again in the bottom of the third. Edenfield led off the inning with a walk, and Flaherty singled.

Flaherty scored on a Katie Dack single to make it 5-0. Josie Muffley followed with a triple to score Dack, and Hallie Wacaser followed with a single to score Muffley. Autumn Belviy doubled in the bottom of the fifth and scored on Dack’s second RBI.

Mack Leonard took the mound for the Noles in the second game and went two innings of scoreless ball.

Allison Royalty came in and blew through the Rattler lineup for three innings to pick up her first win in an FSU uniform. She struck out six and didn’t walk any batters. Improved control is what we wanted to see from her, and that was a positive. Madi Balk pitched the final frame, allowing one hit, one walk, and one strikeout.

The FSU offense got going in the bottom of the third with a five-run outburst and scored two more runs in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings to end the game. Mack Leonard, Kalei Harding, and Autumn Belviy had two RBI each.

The Noles only had six hits but also had six walks, but went 4-9 with runners in scoring position.

It was good to see FSU pitchers take care of business on the mound. They only allowed five hits and one walk in the two games. The Noles will face stiffer competition No. 10 Arizona Thursday at 4 p.m. in the TaxAct Clearwater Invitational. The game will air on ESPNU.