FSU softball vs Oklahoma game recap: Game 1 of NCAA super regional ends in run-rule
It's day one of the NCAA Super Regional, and No. 15 Florida State softball will be put to the test against No. 2 Oklahoma at Love's Field.
This series will be a rematch from the 2023 and 2021 Women's College World Series championship. FSU coach Lonni Alameda will once again face her alma mater in FSU's second-ever trip to Norman, Oklahoma.
FSU will be coming in as the underdog in this best-of-three series. The Seminoles must beat the three-time defending champs twice on OU's new home softball field. Alameda must depend on her young talent, freshmen Jaysoni Beachum and Isa Torres, to face a veteran pitching group led by Nicole May and relief pitcher Kelly Maxwell. While FSU must rely on pitching by committee, a strong defense would make up for it.
Watch live: How to watch FSU softball in the NCAA tournament with fuboTV (free trial)
FSU-Oklahoma NCAA softball tournament score updates
Oklahoma walks its way to victory in Game 1
FSU's Madi Balk relieved for Wilson in the bottom fifth. Oklahoma didn't spare any remorse. The Sooners loaded the bases and ended the game with a walk-off win over the Seminoles, 11-3.
The Seminoles fall in Game 1 of Super Regional. They will return to Love's Field on Friday at 8 p.m.
FSU softball avoids run rule after fifth inning
FSU bought more time and avoided the run rule after the fifth inning. Jahni Kerr's RBI single gave the Seminoles their third run of the night. FSU ended the inning with one run and one hit.
The Seminoles still have a lot of ground to cover as they trail 10-3, heading into the bottom fifth. However, Oklahoma can still end the game on a walk-off.
Oklahoma hits fourth home run in bottom fourth
Oklahoma continues its dominance at the plate. Brito hit her second home run of the night, which led to a two-run score.
After Kasidi Pickering hit a single to right field, Kinzie Hansen followed up with another two-run homer for the Sooners. OU added one more run on an RBI single by Cydney Sanders.
FSU now trails 10-2, heading into the top fifth. The game could end in a run rule if FSU doesn't grab some runs.
FSU softball continues to struggle on base in fourth inning
FSU continues to find a way to get on base. Yet, the Seminoles couldn't finish the job.
With two runners on base, Mudge attempted a bunt that led to a pop-up fly. Brito turned it into a double-play. Beachum was also out on her second at-bat, leaving FSU scoreless and one hit in the fourth inning. FSU is down 5-2.
Oklahoma hits second home run to break the tie. FSU makes pitching change
The 2-2 tie did not last long as Oklahoma hit its second solo home run of the night, led by Alyssa Brito. The Sooners regained the lead at 3-2.
The Sooners added another more run in the bottom third of a throwing error on Amaya Ross. Down 4-2, Lonni Alameda made a pitching change with two runners on base.
Senior Emma Wilson became the relief pitcher for Danley. Danley finished the evening by allowing four runs, six hits, and three walks.
OU scored its fifth run on a sacrifice ground out. Alynah Torres got the RBI. FSU trails 5-2 heading into the fourth inning.
Devyn Flaherty ties it for FSU softball in third inning
After two scoreless innings, FSU is finally on the board with two runs and two hits. As the bases were loaded for the second time, the Seminoles took advantage.
After Isa Torres struckout, Devyn Flaherty singled to right field, sending Harding and Beachum to home plate. The third inning ended with FSU tying the game at two.
Oklahoma adds one more run in second inning
Danley continues to struggle in the circle. Oklahoma added another run on an RBI double by Alynah Torres. The Sooners lead 2-0. Fortunately enough, the Seminoles managed to leave two runners on base to end the inning.
Oklahoma's Tiare Jennings hits solo home run
It is not the start that FSU's freshman Ashtyn Danley wanted. Oklahoma's shortstop Tiare Jenning continues to impact the Sooners. At the plate, Jennings hit a solo home run to put OU on the board.
Danley has also allowed a double and a walk after the one-run homer. Two runners are on base at the bottom first, with two outs left. FSU was able to get out of the inning with only one score allowed.
No runs for FSU softball in opening inning despite loaded bases
FSU was able to load the bases without making any hits. Unfortunately, no runs were scored for the Seminoles. OU's pitcher Kelly Maxwell was not rattled.
On a 3-2 pitch, Devyn Flaherty hits a chopper to the Maxwell. Flaherty raced to first base but came up short. The play was under review and was confirmed. All three Seminoles were left stranded to end the inning.
Oklahoma's shortstop makes defensive play to take Kaley Mudge out.
Tiare Jennings made a big play on a ground ball to third base to get Mudge out. Harding makes it to first base, being the only runner on base.
That glove is golden ✨@_tiarejennings makes a great stop and gets the lead runner at third!#ChampionshipMindsetpic.twitter.com/WdkLZiKTnN
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) May 23, 2024
Florida State-Oklahoma game is underway
The Super Regional remained on schedule despite the lightning delay. Oklahoma's Kelly Maxwell made the first pitch in the top of the opening inning.
Kaley Mudge walked in her first at-bat. FSU has one out after Jaysoni Beachum's lined out in third base. Kalei Harding is at the plate.
Starting lineups for Oklahoma-FSU softball
Here is FSU's starting lineup:
LF Kaley Mudge
3B Jaysoni Beachum
DP Kalei Harding
C Michaela Edenfield
SS Isa Torres
2B Devyn Flaherty
RF Jahni Kerr
1B Amaya Ross
CF Kennedy Harp
P Ashtyn Danley
Here is Oklahoma's lineup:
CF Jayda Coleman
SS Tiare Jennings
DP Ella Parker
3B Alyssa Brito
RF Kasidi Pickering
C Kinzie Hansen
LF Riley Boone
2B Alynah Torres
1B Cydney Sanders
SP Kelly Maxwell
Jaysoni Beachum a finalist for freshman of the year
🌟 @NFCAorg Freshman of the Year Top 3 Finalists 🌟#NCAASoftballpic.twitter.com/JXJsa8zBjm
— NCAA Softball (@NCAASoftball) May 23, 2024
FSU third baseman Jaysoni Beachum was named a finalist for NCAA freshman of the year. Beachum leads the Seminoles with a .425 batting average, 15 home runs and 65 RBIs, the fourth-most ever in the program.
The other finalists are Ella Parker of Oklahoma and Keagan Rothrock of Florida.
Lightning delay halts start of FSU-Oklahoma
🚨 Due to lightning in the area, the opening of gates at Love’s Field will be delayed today. We will provide further updates when available.
— Oklahoma Softball (@OU_Softball) May 23, 2024
The gates at Love's Field have yet to be opened due to lightning delay, according to Oklahoma softball's X page.
Fans were forced to evacuate.
When is the FSU game in the NCAA softball tournament today?
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23
Where: Love's Field, Norman, Oklahoma
TV: ESPN2 (Channel 209 on DirecTV, Channel 143 on Dish)
Streaming: WatchESPN and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed), fuboTV (7-day free trial), YouTube TV (2-week free trial), Hulu + Live TV (7-day free trial)
First pitch for Florida State vs. Oklahoma in the NCAA softball tournament is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 23 at Love's Field in Norman, Oklahoma. The game can be seen on ESPN2. Other streaming options include fuboTV, which offers a free trial to potential subscribers.
FSU softball schedule
Here's a look at Florida State's most recent games:
Date | Opponent |
Friday, May 3 | at Syracuse*: L 4-3 |
Friday, May 3 | at Syracuse*: W 3-2 |
Sunday, May 5 | at Syracuse*: L 13-5 |
Thursday, May 9 | vs. Notre Dame#: W 2-0 |
Friday, May 10 | vs. Georgia Tech#: W 10-2 |
Saturday, May 11 | vs. Duke#: L 6-3 |
Friday, May 17 | vs. Chattanooga^: W 3-2 |
Saturday, May 18 | vs. UCF^: W 5-1 |
Sunday, May 19 | vs. Auburn^: W 10-4 |
Thursday, May 23 | vs. Oklahoma^ |
Friday, May 24 | vs. Oklahoma^ |
Oklahoma softball schedule
Here's a look at Oklahoma's most recent games:
Date | Opponent |
Friday, May 3 | vs. Oklahoma State*: L 6-3 |
Saturday, May 4 | vs. Oklahoma State*: L 6-2 |
Sunday, May 5 | vs. Oklahoma State*: W 8-2 |
Thursday, May 9 | vs. Kansas#: W 10-1 |
Friday, May 10 | vs. BYU#: W 13-2 |
Saturday, May 11 | vs. Texas#: W 5-1 |
Friday, May 17 | vs. Cleveland State^: W 9-0 |
Saturday, May 18 | vs. Oregon^: W 6-3 |
Sunday, May 19 | vs. Oregon^: W 3-2 |
Thursday, May 23 | vs. Florida State^ |
Friday, May 24 | vs. Florida State^ |
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Oklahoma-FSU softball score updates: Game 1 2024 NCAA super regional