FSU softball rallies to beat Wichita State
FSU softball rallies to beat Wichita State
The No. 8 FSU softball team used a seven-run fifth inning to complete a comeback victory over Wichita State, winning 15-5 in six innings on Saturday night in the Shriners Children's Clearwater Invitational. The Seminoles are now 7-1 and have won their last seven games.
The Seminoles took an early lead thanks to an infield single by Michaela Edenfield that allowed Kennedy Hard to score with two outs. Harp reached base with a two-out single of her own and advanced to third on a poor throw when she stole second.
The Shockers took the lead in the second inning when they hit a one-out single then a triple and double with two outs to take a 2-1 lead. FSU starting pitcher Makenna Reid pitched 2.0 innings, allowing two runs on three hits.
Julia Apsel came in to start the third inning and Wichita State loaded the bases with a double, walk, and a hit-by-pitch. They drove in two more runs with a two-out single. Apsel retired them in order in the fourth inning but allowed a leadoff homer in the fifth and Lonni Alameda turned to freshman Jazzy Francik to end the inning.
FSU's offense roared back to life in the bottom of the inning. Isa Torres led it off with a single and scored on a double by Jaysoni Beachum. Katie Harp kept it going with a home run, making it a 5-4 Wichita State lead, which didn't last long. Harp now has four home runs and 17 RBI on the season.
Edenfield hit a double and advanced to third on a one-out single from Jahni Kerr. A hit-by-pitch loaded the bases for Katie Dack, who drew a walk to tie the game at 5-5. Annabelle Widra broke the tie with a bases-clearing triple, putting FSU ahead 8-5.
Francik retired the Shockers in order in the top of the sixth inning and FSU's offense took care of the rest. Harp led the inning off with a walk and Edenfield hit a two-run homer to left field. It is her third homer in as many days.
Hallie Wacaser reached via a hit-by-pitch and was replaced by speedster Addie Delong, who scored on a single by Amaya Ross after she advanced to second on a wild pitch and to third on a sacrifice bunt. A fielder's choice and walk allowed the Seminoles to load the bases for Torres who hit a game-ending grand slam to centerfield.
Francik improved to 2-0 with the win and has a 0.00 ERA in 12.0 innings pitched. She leads FSU in innings pitched, strikeouts (12), and appearances (5).
Up Next for FSU
The Seminoles will play their final game in Clearwater on Sunday against the UCF Knights, the game is set to start at 8 p.m. ET and will be on ESPN. The Seminoles lead the series 25-5 and have won the last 15 meetings.
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