FSU softball: Allison Royalty limits Western Michigan for 'Noles second win Saturday

FSU softball (14-5) picked up its second win Saturday with a 6-2 victory over Western Michigan. Allison Royalty went the distance for the Noles, allowing five hits, one earned run, one walk, and four strikeouts. FSU took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the third behind two Western Michigan errors. Western Michigan responded with two runs in the top of the fourth behind three hits and an error, but Royalty didn't allow a hit after that inning. The FSU offense did what it's been doing a lot over the past few games, responding with runs to retake the lead in the bottom of the frame. They scored one in the fifth and two more in the sixth for the eventual 6-2 final score. FSU only had four hits and left seven runners stranded but took advantage of four walks and five Western Michigan errors. Kaley Mudge and Kalei Harding had two RBI, and Michaela Edenfield hit a solo home run to go 1-4. Devyn Flaherty went 1-1 with two walks and three stolen bases to score twice.

FSU continues to battle as they look to find an identity inside the circle. FSU pitchers have been solid in most of the games of late, aside from allowing damage in one particular inning behind walks, hit batters, or the defense committing an error. FSU didn't kill the ball offensively in this game as they have in recent games, but they found ways to generate runs in a typical FSU fashion. It was good to see Kaley Mudge and Flaherty contribute, because FSU will need their bats to hit up once ACC play begins soon. They both usually hit well over .300. Mudge has dealt with an injury and Flahery started out slow last season before coming on strong down the stretch. FSU softball will look to avenge their Friday loss against FGCU on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. That game will air on ESPN+.