No. 7 Florida State Softball Dominates Iowa in Run Rule Victory
The Florida State Seminoles continued their winning streak at the JoAnne Graf Classic, securing a decisive run rule win over the Iowa Hawkeyes in a highly anticipated Power 4 showdown.
Lineup:
- Shortstop: Isa Torres (Junior)
- Second Baseman: Marin Heller (Freshman)
- Third Baseman: Jaysoni Beachum (Junior)
- Right Fielder: Shelby McKenzie (Sophomore)
- Pitcher: Ashtyn Danley (Junior)
- Catcher: Anna Hinde (Freshman)
- Left Fielder: Hayley Griggs (Freshman)
- First Baseman: Angelee Bueno (Junior)
- Center Fielder: Makenna Sturgis (Freshman)
Game Recap:
1st Inning:
Ashtyn Danley's efficient pitching kept the Hawkeyes in check, resulting in a quick 1-2-3 inning. However, the Seminoles' bats came alive. Marin Heller drew a walk, and Jaysoni Beachum followed with a hit, setting up Shelby McKenzie. With Heller on third, a sacrifice fly brought home the first run, giving Florida State an early lead.
2nd Inning:
Danley continued her stellar performance, striking out the side in just eight pitches. The Seminoles extended their lead in the bottom of the inning. Angelee Bueno reached base with a walk, and Makenna Sturgis followed with a fielder's choice, advancing Bueno. Isa Torres then reached base due to an Iowa infield error, allowing Heller to safely reach and score Sturgis.
Jaysoni Beachum's home run in the 2nd inning sealed the deal, putting Florida State up 3-0.
3rd Inning:
The Seminoles' bats continued to heat up. Iowa's defense struggled, giving up a single, double, and walk to the middle of the lineup. Back-to-back fielder's choices resulted in two outs and a run, extending Florida State's lead to 4-0.
Another Iowa error in the 3rd inning proved costly, as it allowed the Seminoles to score two more runs, making it 6-0.
4th Inning:
With an 8-0 lead, Lonni Alameda brought in Makenna Reid to replace Danley. The Hawkeyes quickly loaded the bases with two hits and a walk. A sacrifice bunt brought in a run, and a double into left-center field scored two more, making it 8-2. Despite the setback, Florida State's lead remained comfortable.
5th Inning:
Makenna Reid bounced back, recording a ground ball double play and a fly out to end the inning. Sturgis doubled with one out, and a hit by pitch and walk loaded the bases. Shelby McKenzie then hit a grand slam, securing the 12-3 run rule victory for Florida State.
Up Next:
Florida State will face Marshall in a doubleheader on Saturday, February 7th, at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Both games will be broadcast on ACCNX.
