FSU softball: Takeaways from ‘Noles loss against No. 12 Alabama

FSU softball (9-3) fell to No. 12 Alabama by a 2-1 score in the final game of the TaxAct Clearwater Invitational. It was their fifth consecutive game against a ranked opponent, and their two losses were by a combined three runs.

The game was a pitcher’s duel between FSU’s Kathryn Sandercock and Alabama’s Montana Fouts. The Noles had an opportunity to score in the bottom of the first inning when they had the bases loaded and two outs.

However, the Noles couldn’t capitalize, and it ultimately cost them as they didn’t have many scoring opportunities in the game. The game changed in the bottom of the fourth when Alabama hit back-to-back home runs to take a 2-0 lead. FSU responded in the top of the fifth inning when Jahni Kerr hit a solo home run to trim the lead to 2-1.

FSU threatened to tie the game in the top of the seventh and had a runner on third with two outs when Josie Muffley grounded out to end the game.

The story of the game was Mack Leonard, Devyn Flaherty, and Michaela Edenfield going hitless.

The latter struck out three times in the game and only had one hit in the invitational. FSU essentially got beat by two swings. FSU has to have production from those hitters against elite teams.

Takeaways

Sandercock did a fine job against a powerful offense. She missed her spots twice and paid for it, but did the job otherwise.

I should note she isn’t getting the swings and misses she did last year. She didn’t have a single strikeout in the game.

FSU batters struggled to lay off the rise balls up in the zone and helped a great pitcher way too much. She’s difficult enough to hit as it is, and swinging at balls doesn’t help. While we want to win every game, going 3-2 against five ranked teams and losing two close games is fine this time of year.

That’s the name of the game against great teams, not making mistakes and capitalizing on the mistakes of others. FSU will be back in action Wednesday when they host North Florida at 6 p.m. E.T.