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PDF Box Score – FSU d. LSU 9-1
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Scoring in four of its six innings at the plate, culminating with a game-ending two-run home run by Cali Harrod, No. 1 Florida State (8-0) dominated No. 8 LSU (9-2) and posted a 9-1 victory in six innings over the Tigers on Saturday in the Noles’ first game of the day at the 2019 St. Pete/Clearwater Elite Invitational.
It is the third run-rule victory of a ranked team for Florida State under head coach Lonni Alameda, joining an 8-0, five-inning win over No. 19 Louisiana on April 4, 2018 and a 9-1 victory in six innings over No. 25 Hofstra (February 16, 2013).
“Proud of the girls to come out in a great postseason atmosphere,” said Alameda. “That is a good ball club we beat today, but we are playing team softball right now. On and off the field, the energy as a team to be in every pitch is really exciting to see to start off the season.”
Florida State started the first inning against LSU with a walk from Cali Harrod and a single by Carsyn Gordon. After a fly out moved Harrod to third, she came into score on a fielder’s choice as Harrod was obstructed by the LSU catcher, putting the FSU up 1-0.
The Seminoles added two more runs in the bottom of the second, both with two outs, to extend the lead to 3-0. Zoe Casas started the inning with a single up the middle and moved up to third base on a pair of groundouts. Harrod lined an RBI double to the wall in right and Gordon followed with an RBI single up the middle.
FSU starting pitcher Meghan King made quick work of the Tigers through the first two innings, retiring six of the seven batters she faced, including five strikeouts. In the third, LSU started the frame with a pair of singles to put runners on first and second with nobody out. King induced a bunt pop out for out number one and Casas made a catch, crashing into the wall in left for the second out of the inning. After a walk loaded the bases, King ended the inning with a strikeout.
LSU got on the board in the top of the fifth inning as Amber Serrett led off with a solo home run down the left field line. Four of the eight runs allowed by Florida State this season have been from solo home runs.
The Seminoles came right back with three runs in the bottom of the fifth to make it a 6-1 game. Consecutive one-out singles by Gordon, Sydney Sherrill and Elizabeth Mason brought in the first run of the inning. Anna Shelnutt lifted a sacrifice fly to center to bring in Sherrill, but an errant throw by LSU’s Aliyah Andrews allowed Mason to also score on the play.
Kara Bilodeau entered the circle to replace Meghan King to start the sixth inning. The sophomore allowed a leadoff single to Shelbi Sunseri, but ended the inning with three consecutive groundouts. King (4-0) ended with 5.0 innings with one run allowed on five hits with one walk and eight strikeouts.
The Noles ended the game with a three-run sixth inning to secure the 9-1 victory. Cassidy Davis started the frame with a single up the middle and Leslie Farris battle a nine-pitch at bat before lining an RBI triple to right field. Harrod launched her first home run of the season to end the game.
The Seminoles will close out Saturday with a game against RV Minnesota (2-2) at 7:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3 and live stats, broadcast links and field locations will all be available on the softball schedule page on Seminoles.com.
Throughout 2018-19, the Seminoles will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of women’s intercollegiate athletics at Florida State and there are many events and reunions planned for all women’s sports. Head to www.seminoles.com/50th/ for more information that will be updated throughout the year.
Follow Florida State softball on Twitter (@FSU_Softball) and Instagram (fsusoftball), and like our Facebook page (Facebook.com/FSUsoftball) to keep up to date with everything about Seminole softball.
