FSU softball: Major takeaways as Noles sweep series at No. 4 Clemson

Pitching

Lonni Alameda’s handling of the pitching staff may have them in a position to solidify things once they head into the postseason. Kathryn Sandercock did Kathryn Sandercock things in the series, but it was the performance of MaKenna Reid that may be the biggest factor.

Alameda has brought freshman sensation Makenna Reid along carefully, and she made her first career start against the Tigers Thursday night.

She also made an appearance in relief in the third game. Reid finished the series with six innings pitched, no earned runs allowed, five strikeouts, three walks, and three hit batters.

Ideally, less walks and hit batters is the way to go but the moment wasn’t too big for her. Alameda using Ali DuBois to relieve Reid isn’t fair.

Reid’s fastball pumps in there at 68-69 mph, and DuBois’s changeup is cartoonish. DuBois pitched 1.2 innings with one strikeout and no runs allowed. Allison Royalty started the third game and went two innings, allowing one unearned run, striking out two, and no walks.

The latter is the most important area for Royalty, who struggles to throw strikes consistently. This pitching combination could be something we see Alameda use more as we get closer to the post season.