Florida State 5, Alabama 2
The game started off on a positive note for Alabama (21-10), with Kali Heivilin and Alexis Pupillo both driving in a run each during the 1st inning. However, Alabama left two runners stranded on base.
Sophomore pitcher Jocelyn Briski started the game strong, allowing a leadoff single but then cruising through the next nine batters. Unfortunately, Briski hit a rough patch in the 4th inning. FSU managed to get two runners on base with singles, and a double brought them home, tying the game at 2-2.
Alabama’s offense struggled with runners in scoring position throughout the game. Audrey Vandagriff was stranded at third in the 2nd inning, and Brooke Ellestad was left on second in the 3rd. Vandagriff got another chance in the 4th after singling and stealing second, but once again, Alabama couldn’t capitalize. In the 5th inning, two more Tide runners were left on base with one out.
In the 6th inning, FSU’s first batter of the inning hit a single on an 0-2 pitch, prompting Alabama’s head coach Patrick Murphy to pull Briski in favor of Alea Johnson. After Johnson walked a batter, the Seminoles hit a 3-run home run to left-center, giving them a 5-2 lead.
After the home run, Johnson settled in and retired the next three batters, striking out two. It’s become a pattern that relievers often struggle when entering games but then settle into a rhythm, which left some wondering why it takes them time to adjust.
NOTES:
- Alabama left 8 runners on base, many in scoring position, with Catelyn Riley and Marlie Giles each leaving 3 on base.
- Alea Johnson’s performance was inconsistent—after a shaky start, she found her groove but struggled early in the game.
- Lauren Johnson made a rare appearance as a pinch runner for Pupillo in the 5th inning, a moment of honor granted by Coach Murphy.
- No errors were committed by Alabama, while FSU had two.
- Vandagriff had a standout game, going 2 for 4 and stealing 3 bases, bringing her season total to 37 stolen bases.
- The play-by-play announcer was not well received, with fans voicing dissatisfaction with the voice.
- Alabama may be facing an early season record for losses, as this defeat marks their 10th, which might be the earliest they’ve reached double-digit losses in recent history. The 2023 team set a record for most losses since 1999 with 22 total defeats.
- Alabama’s rankings before the game were #24/24/NR/NR.
Upcoming Schedule:
- Friday, Mar 21 at Texas A&M, 6pm/7pm CT, College Station, TX
- Saturday, Mar 22 at Texas A&M, 4pm/5pm CT, College Station, TX
- Sunday, Mar 23 at Texas A&M, 1pm/2pm CT, College Station, TX
Texas A&M is currently ranked #5/5/6/6.