No. 5 overall seed FSU softball (49-10) will host No. 12 overall seed Texas Tech (48-12) Thursday night to set off the first game of Super Regionals.
The Red Raiders have won seven consecutive games and have arguably the best pitcher nationally, NaJiree Canady.
I provided a quick preview of the matchup a few days ago, but this is the more in-depth blueprint to beat the Red Raiders.
Most people will focus on how the offense stacks against Canady and their other two solid pitchers. However, it's FSU's pitching and defense that must be on point the most because they can't afford to allow Texas Tech to score lots of runs.
FSU has struggled to score runs consistently against teams with good pitching, and losing Kennedy Harp didn't help that cause. FSU has been sound on defense most of the year, aside from some mishaps at second base and with Katie Dack in rightfield.
FSU pitching has been consistent but must avoid the walks and hit batters. Texas Tech doesn't have much power and doesn't strike out much. However, they apply pressure on the basepaths with their steal attempts. They have four players with at least 11 steals and can easily turn a walk into a double, sac bunt, and put the ball in play to generate a run.
They likely won't need a ton of runs with Canady on the mound. So FSU must not beat itself with walks and providing Texas Tech with extra outs.
Offensively, normally, I'd say be patient at the plate and make Canady work. However, she's a workhorse, and a high pitch count doesn't phase her. She's gone over 100 pitches several times in her career while still throwing gas. I'd attack her early in the count on the fastball and force her to throw secondary pitches consistently for strikes. If she can do that, tip your cap.
She strikes out a ton of batters, and they must put the ball in play at the very least and make Texas Tech field it. FSU can generate a couple of runs between their speed on the bases and power at the plate. They need Jaysoni Beachum to find her form from last year. They need Jahni Kerr and Katie Dack to continue their production.
The margin for error will be smaller in these games, and they'll need to do all of the little things right and maximize their chances if Texas Tech makes mistakes.
The game will air on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET.