TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In a game that lasted three hours on JoAnne Graf Field, No. 10 Florida State (23-7) lost to Troy, 6-4 in eight innings. The Trojans (17-12) scored three runs in the seventh and two in the eighth to secure the victory.
“We just need to learn how to finish, and that’s a characteristic of a good program,” said FSU head coach Lonni Alameda. “I thought we had some really good things happen in today’s ballgame. Troy’s a very scrappy team and put together some quality innings, especially late, to win the game.
“But we have great effort and great attitude right now, and that is something to build on. When we are able to put it all together and go seven innings, we’re going have something really special.”
FSU starter Jessica Burroughs was unhittable through the first four innings of the game. She mowed down 10 batters over the first four innings of the game. Combined with her start against Colgate on March 17, Burroughs had posted 23 strikeouts over her last 9.0 innings pitched.
The Noles got on the board in the second as Bailey Schinella led off the inning with a single to centerfield. Alex Powers brought Schinella in with a two run blast to left center field to give the Noles a 2-0 lead. It was Powers seventh home run this season.
Becca Hartley trimmed down the Noles lead to 2-1 with a solo home run in the top of the 5th inning off of Burroughs.
Florida State pushed back for a 3-1 advantage in the bottom of the fifth as Bella D’Errico came into score on an RBI fielder’s choice by Schinella. D’Errico ran for Maddie O’Brien after a walk and reached third on a single to center by Ellie Cooper.
Troy threatened in the sixth inning by getting the first two batters on base via a walk by Kate Benton and a single by Hannah Day. Following Burroughs’ 11th strikeout of the game, a deep shot to right center by Ashley Rainey appeared destined for extra bases but Lauren Harris was able to make a spectacular catch, crashing into the wall for out number two. Burroughs ended the inning with another strikeout.
Florida State made it 4-1 in the bottom of the sixth inning as Jessica Warren, who had reached earlier in the inning on a fielder’s choice, scored on a passed ball by Troy catcher Heather Johnston.
The Trojans were able to tie it up at 4-4 in the top of the seventh inning on a three-run home run by Affeldt as each of the first three batters reached base and came in to score.
The Seminoles had a chance to win it in the bottom of the seventh after Powers ripped a double into the corner in left field to start the inning. She was pinch-run for by Katie Baker and Baker moved up to third on a sacrifice bunt by Alex Kossoff. Amy Szymanowski came on to pinch hit and grounded one to the second baseman, Hartley, who threw home to retire Baker for out number two. A pop out by Macey Cheatham ended the rally and forced extra innings.
Burroughs was able to retire the first two Trojans batters in the eighth, but was replaced by Bailey Schinella in the circle after a walk. Troy’s Hartley hit a full-count pitch from Schinella over the wall in left to give the Trojans a 6-4 lead. It was Hartley’s second home run of the game and fifth of the season.
Troy starter Affeldt retired Florida State in order in the bottom of the eighth to secure the win. Affeldt moved to 9-4 on the season, allowing five hits, four runs, three earned with eight walks and seven strikeouts.
Burroughs (9-4) took the loss for Florida State, surrendering five runs, four earned on four hits with three walks and 13 strikeouts in 7.2 innings. It marked the second consecutive game that Burroughs has registered 13 strikeouts in a game.
Florida State hits the road this weekend for a three-game series at Virginia Tech on March 21-22.
***FSU Athletics
