FSU softball opens Clearwater tournament with win over Arizona

Via FSU sports information

The No. 7 Florida State softball team (7-1) jumped out to a 6-0 lead and hung on to defeat No. 15 Arizona (5-1) 6-4 in the first game of the Clearwater Invitational.

After a scoreless first inning, the Seminoles loaded the bases thanks to an error and a couple of singles. Kaley Mudge drove a ball into right field that was mishandled, allowing Mudge to advance to third and bringing three runs across the plate.

In the third inning, the bats stayed hot in the third inning as a Devyn Flaherty double and a Katie Dack single brought two more runs across for the Noles.

The Noles added one more run in the fourth inning as Mack Leonard singled and a throwing error allowed Mudge to score to extend the lead to 6-0.

The Wildcats responded in the bottom of the fourth inning with four runs, but Kathryn Sanderccock and Makenna Reid shut the door for the final three innings.

Sandercock was credited with the win, going 4.2 innings and striking out eight batters. Reid came in the top of the seventh inning and recorded groundout, a strikeout and a flyout to give the Seminoles the win.

Kalei Harding and Leonard each recorded two hits for the Seminoles while Mudge had a team-high two RBIs for the Noles.

Florida State will return to action Friday against No. 4 Arkansas at 1 p.m. on ESPNU.