The Florida State Seminoles softball team showcased their prowess with a 4-1 victory over Clemson at McWhorter Stadium. This win marks FSU's first Atlantic Coast Conference road triumph of the season, pushing their record to an impressive 30-4, with an unblemished 7-0 in league play.
They're the only team in the ACC without a conference loss, riding a remarkable 19-game winning streak. Clemson, on the other hand, drops to 23-11, including 6-4 in ACC action.
The Seminoles broke the game open in the fourth inning. Ashtyn Danley got things rolling with a single to second base, followed by Bella Ruggiero's hit through the right side.
After an out, Shelby McKenzie delivered with an RBI single up the middle. Kennedy Harp then contributed with a productive out to score Ruggiero, and Marin Heller capped the inning with a double to right center, bringing McKenzie home.
FSU added an insurance run in the seventh when Jaysoni Beachum's single drove in Isa Torres. Torres had reached on a fielder's choice, swiped second, and scored on Beachum's hit.
In the pitching department, Jazzy Francik started for the Seminoles, going 3.1 innings while allowing three hits and one earned run. She threw 52 pitches, with 25 strikes.
Makenna Reid came in during a tight spot in the fourth, with the bases loaded and just one out. She skillfully navigated the jam, allowing only a sacrifice fly and a subsequent fly ball to limit the damage.
Reid pitched into the sixth, giving up just one hit over 2.1 innings, with 20 of her 30 pitches being strikes.
Danley took over with two outs in the sixth, shutting down the inning and handling the seventh with ease. She pitched 1.1 innings, walking one, and secured her first save of the season. Reid earned the win, improving her record to 4-1.
Offensively, FSU tallied four runs on nine hits, including a double. They drew three walks and struck out twice, though they did hit into four inning-ending double plays.
Historically, FSU has dominated the matchup against Clemson, holding an 8-1 all-time record, including a perfect 4-0 at Clemson.
The series continues on Saturday at noon, with the finale on Sunday at 6 p.m., both broadcast on the ACC Network.