FSU softball enters FGCU Spring Break Classic looking to rebound against Purdue

FSU softball (11-4) hasn't played since losing against Jacksonville in their last outing, mainly due to a terrible first inning. The Noles fought back but came up short in a 6-5 loss. They look to get back on track in the FGCU Spring Break Classic beginning Friday afternoon against the Purdue Boilermakers. The Noles will face FGCU and Western Michigan in the mini-tournament setting. Purdue (9-8) hasn't played since defeating Marshall 10-3 last Sunday. The Boilermakers bring a .280 batting average and .372 on-base percentage into the game. They strike out 21 percent of their at-bats but are aggressive on the basepaths, stealing in 44 of 50 attempts(Banks and Polar are the two main threats). They lack power, with only six home runs, 25 doubles, and four triples. FSU softball (11-4) hasn't played since losing against Jacksonville in their last outing, mainly due to a terrible first inning. The Noles fought back but came up short in a 6-5 loss. They look to get back on track in the FGCU Spring Break Classic beginning Friday afternoon against the Purdue Boilermakers. The Noles will face FGCU and Western Michigan in the mini-tournament setting. Purdue (9-8) hasn't played since defeating Marshall 10-3 last Sunday.

The Boilermakers bring a .280 batting average and .372 on-base percentage into the game. They strike out 21 percent of their at-bats but are aggressive on the basepaths, stealing in 44 of 50 attempts(Banks and Polar are the two main threats). They lack power, with only six home runs, 25 doubles, and four triples. Purdue pitchers bring a 3.25 ERA and only have 57 strikeouts in 118.1 innings. They nearly have as many walks with 42, and opposing batters hit .263 against them. Defensively, they're solid, with a .977 fielding percentage. This game is all about the FSU pitching staff and whether they can throw strikes or not. Allison Royalty struggled in her last outing with a ton of walks, but Ashtyn Danley was solid in relief, which was a positive sign. Walks have been a trouble spot for the Noles all season, but Purdue isn't a great hitting team. I'm not sure who starts inside the circle, but whoever it is must throw strikes. FSU hitters should have no issues against Purdue's pitching. The game will begin at 12:15 ET and will not air on TV, but fans can follow along with live stats here. The Noles will play FGCU in a second game later Friday at 5:15 PM. They will play Purdue again on Saturday at 10 a.m. ET, followed by Western Michigan at 12:30 ET p.m. They'll wrap up the FGCU Spring Break Classic with a game against FGCU on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.