FSU softball offense explodes to avenge loss against FGCU

FSU softball avenged a previous loss against FGCU to improve its record to (15-5) on Sunday afternoon, but they didn't make it easy on themselves. The Noles had to overcome another huge first-inning deficit that saw FGCU post a four spot in the bottom of the first. FGCU used four hits, and an error against Ashtyn Danley, who only got one out in the start. Emma Wilson came in to relieve her, only to get one out, allowing a hit, one run, and a walk. Makenna Reid got the final out in the inning and eventually picked up the win. Reid went 3.1 innings, allowing five hits, two earned runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. FSU battled back to trim the lead to 4-3 in the top of the third behind a two-RBI single from Isa Torres.

FGCU tacked two more runs in the bottom frame with a two-RBI double. FSU scored two runs in the top of the fourth and hung eight runs in the fifth to take the lead for good and eventually win 13-6. A Michaela Edenfield grand slam was the final nail in the coffin in the fifth. Allison Royalty pitched the final three innings, allowing one hit and striking out two batters. Torres and Devyn Flaherty were the only batters with two hits. Jaysoni Beachum had a hit and two RBI. The FSU offense had nine hits, drew five walks, and only struck out once. Normally, I'd point to the pitching for the early struggles, but an error and wild pitch got FGCU going, and they earned the rest with hits in the first inning. It's good they can respond to adversity and overcome it, but it's becoming too commonplace for this team lately. They must figure things out before they play No. 10 Alabama in the midweek and No. 4 Duke next weekend.