No. 16 Florida State softball run rules No. 12 Florida to open in-state series

For their first game against the Florida Gators, Florida State softball traveled to Gainesville to face the freshman Ava Brown. In their first trip to the batters box, the Seminoles were shut down by Brown, going 1-2-3.

On the other side of the ball, it was Mimi Gooden getting the start in the circle. Gooden walked her first batter, but it was erased on a double play to add two outs. A fly out for her next batter kept it at the minimum and was able to roll with the 0-0 game.

A one out walk from Devyn Flaherty put the first baserunner on for the Seminoles in the top of the 6th. Immediately following, Jahni Kerr knocked a single on her first pitch. Unable to capitalize on the runners, a ground out ended the frame.

Gooden started the bottom of the 2nd with a hit batter, and a ground out moved her into scoring position. With one out, the pitcher, Brown doubled to break the scoreless tie. Gooden was able to respond and keep it at only the lone run.

Some more traffic on the bases in the bottom of the 3rd, as the Gators had runners on via a pair of hits with one out. Gooden was able to lock in and get the ground out and pop up to keep the ‘Noles within one.

Gooden’s day ended after three innings of work, and Emma Wilson relieved her in the 4th. For her first batter, Wilson gave up a solo shot to extend the Gators lead to 2 runs. A one out single and walk had two runners on before a fly out. A close play at first was ruled safe with two outs, and UF loaded the bases. Luckily for the Wilson, a fly out kept the flood gates from opening.

Hallie Wacaser singled to begin the 5th inning, and was replaced by Annie Potter to run. With no outs, Katie Dack came up with a hit, and an error in the outfield allowed Potter to come all the way home.

Now a 2-1 game, Brown exited for the a Virginia transfer, Mckenzie Wooten. Facing Wooten for the first time, Amaya Ross reached on an error that placed runners on the corners. With no outs, a wild pitch brought in the equalizer.

A sacrifice and intentional walk to Jaysoni Beachum had FSU threatening once again. A base hit from Kalei Harding pulled the ‘Noles out in front for the first time.

Now 3-2 in favor of FSU, Olivia Miller relieved Wooten. Isa Torres was the first batter for Miller, and after taking a full count, Torres unloaded on a ball deep to center field for a 3-run homerun.

After the homerun, Flaherty singled with one out. A mishandled ball at second base put two runners on, and a walk to Wacaser loaded things up. An RBI fielders choice traded an out for a run, making it 7-2. Continuing to struggle, UF couldn’t get Ross to make it 8-2.

Now with 13 batters in the 5th inning, Kaley Mudge singled to add another run. Two outs didn’t matter much to Beachum as she pushed across two more runs on a homerun to left.

A twelve run inning finally came to an end, changing the course of the game. Now looking to end it early on a run rule, Ashtyn Danley came on in the bottom of the 5th. A lead off walk from Danley ended up coming around after a ground out and wild pitch.

The single that brought home third run for the Gators stood on second after a wild pitch. However, Danley was able to get her final two outs to run rule No. 12 Florida by a 12-3 score.

FSU now has 11 straight wins, and is 37-10 overall

Up next

FSU will host UNC in Tallahassee

• Friday April 26th, 6 pm, ACCNX
• Saturday April 27th, 4 pm, ESPNU
• Sunday April 28th, 12 pm, ACCNX