FSU softball: Freshman home run walks off NC State to clinch series win

FSU softball (23-9, 6-2 ACC) won its fifth consecutive game and second straight game via a freshman walk-off home run against NC State Friday night in an 8-0 shutout win. Isa Torres was the hero Thursday night, and Kennedy Harp got the honors Friday night to end the game via run rule. The Noles started in the bottom of the first on a two-run home run by Kalei Harding. They scored in the second and third and ended the game on Harp's home run in the fifth. Freshman Mimi Gooden earned her second win this season, pitching 3.1 innings, allowing three hits and no runs. Emma Wilson pitched .2 innings, and Makenna Reid pitched the final inning, allowing one hit and striking out one batter. Freshman Jaysoni Beachum continues to tear it up at the plate, going 2-2 with two RBI. Jahni Kerr went 2-3, and Harp went 2-3 with three RBI. The FSU offense had nine hits, three walks, and only one strikeout. FSU pitchers allowed six hits, ZERO walks, and one strikeout. The FSU defense played clean with no errors.

Thoughts

It was great to see the offense score in the first inning and provide Mimi Gooden some cushion to work with early. Gooden provided some valuable innings in conference play and helped put the Noles in position to earn their second consecutive sweep in ACC play on Sunday. I can't express how important it was for the FSU pitchers to go the entire game and not walk any batters. They threw strikes for the most part and were efficient with their pitches. It also kept Ashtyn Danley fresh, and Reid should be available on Sunday if needed since she only threw 14 pitches on Friday. How about some unlikely players starting to shine as the season progresses? The Noles will go for the series sweep on Saturday with the game starting at noon.