After dismantling Jacksonville State in a run-rule shutout, the Seminoles eye redemption. Isa Torres and Jaysoni Beachum power the offense into a high-stakes elimination rematch against the Hatters.
No. 9 Florida State defeated Jacksonville State 11-0 in the Tallahassee Regional in five innings to secure the win by run-rule.
The Seminoles (50-9) defeated the Gamecocks (45-16), setting up a rematch with Stetson (37-21) in a must win elimination game. Stetson defeated Florida State 8-3 in the first round of the tournament in the biggest upset win in the NCAA tournament so far this season. Before the first round upset the Hatters were 1-17 against the Noles with their only win coming in 1987.
Kennedy Harp hit a solo home run in the second inning to get the party started. Shelby McKenzie then singled, followed by Makenna Sturgis with a double, putting runners on second and third base. All-American Isa Torres hit a triple, scoring McKenzie and Sturgis. Jaysoni Beachum then hit an RBI single, scoring Torres. The Noles left the second inning up 4-0.
Hayley Griggs started the fourth inning with a homer putting the Noles up 5-0. Beachum then hit a three-run home run scoring Sturgis and Torres who both previously singled putting the garnet and gold up 8-0 after four inning.
In the fifth and final inning, Griggs scored McKenzie and ended up at third base after a throwing error by the Jacksonville St catcher. Griggs then scored from an RBI single from Sturgis. Torres would seal the deal hitting an RBI double scoring Sturgis. Noles win by run-rule 11-0.
Isa Torres went 3-for-3 today with two runs and three RBI. She has already been named: The National Player of the Year Finalist, ACC Player of the Year, and ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Torres is a realistic candidate to win NPOY considering her consistent and elite play in the field and at the plate.
Jaysoni Beachun has now reached base in 48 consecutive games. Beachum was 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI. Beachum has been magnificent in the field this post-season and has already been named the No. 2 third baseman in the country by Softball America.
The Seminole pitchers today were outstanding, giving up four hits in this shutout. ACC Pitcher of the Year Jazzy Francik (23-3) went three innings giving up three hits and no earned runs. Francik also struck four batters with only one walk. Makenna Reid pitched the final two innings giving up one hit.
The Noles will now get ready for the rematch with Stetson on Saturday May 15. First pitch is 2:30 p.m. ET at JoAnne Graf Field.
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