Syracuse softball drops ACC opener to No. 10 Florida State

By: Nick Zuppe | @nickzuppe

Tallahassee, FL – Syracuse softball (11-8, 0-1 Atlantic Coast Conference) gets mercied 12-1 against number 10 Florida State 23-4, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) in the first game of ACC play for both teams. As the score indicates, the Seminoles dominated from start to finish. 

In the first three innings, Florida State started each frame with the first two hitters reaching base against SU starter Julianna Verni. With that, FSU scored three in the first inning and two in the third. 

The ‘Cuse would score its only run in the third inning after an error from Seminole first baseman Angelee Bueno. At the end of three innings of play, Florida State led 5-1, but then broke it open in the fourth, in an inning that didn’t look too promising. 

After FSU starting pitcher Jazzy Francik put up a zero in the top half, Verni was close to doing the same. After the lead-off hitter got on, she induced a double play. But, with two outs and nobody on, the floodgates opened. 

Hailey Griggs blasted a two-run home run that knocked out SU starter Julianna Verni. The senior gave up seven runs on seven hits. Later, Isa Torres had a two-run double off reliever Sydney Jackson. And then, Jaysoni Beachum put the nail in the coffin with a three-run homer and brought the mercy rule into effect. 

However, the Orange hop right back on the horse and battle the Seminoles down in Florida tomorrow at 1:00. These two teams will battle at noon on Sunday as well. 

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