Alabama defeats FSU softball in top-20 showdown

The Florida State softball team continues to struggle in matchups against top-25 teams.

Kayla Beaver and Alea Johnson allowed just three hits as No. 15 Alabama defeated No. 18 Florida State 4-1 on Wednesday night.

The Seminoles (17-6) have dropped three of four games to ranked opponents this season, including losses in the Clearwater Invitational to No. 16 UCLA and No. 5 Georgia. FSU's only top 25 win came over No. 6 Stanford in Clearwater.

Kalei Harding scored FSU's run in the fourth on a wild pitch, cutting the Alabama lead to 2-1.

Isa Torres made a few defensive plays to keep the game close, one a diving snare on a liner into the hole and the second one where she ran back and chased down a fly ball.

But Kali Heivilin tacked on a two-run homer in the sixth to extend Alabama's lead.

Ashtyn Danley went 2 for 3 and Harding had FSU's other hit.

Allison Royalty started and allowed two runs in the first inning.

Abby Duchscherer and Bailey Dowling had two hits for Alabama (21-3).

FSU plays host to No. 4 Duke (19-1) on Friday at 6 p.m.

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