Titan infielder Shianne Brannan made the most of her opportunities going one for one in CSUF’s 10-1 loss to FSU. ,
(Nolan Motis/Daily Titan)
The Cal State Fullerton softball team was unable to form an offensive rhythm in its 10-1 mercy rule loss to the Florida State University Seminoles in six innings Tuesday night.
After going 4-1 in the Judi Garman Classic, including a win over the No. 19-ranked Arizona State Sun Devils, the Titans hosted another nationally ranked opponent in the No. 12 Seminoles at Anderson Family Field.
The Titans sent their ace Sydney Golden to the circle. Golden entered Tuesday’s matchup with a 7-1 record and a 2.24 ERA. She had her hands full as she faced a Seminole offense that boasted a team batting average of .369 with a total of 167 runs scored.
Fullerton came in with an impressive 8-2 record at home, with sights set on adding its 14th overall victory. The Titan offense went in with a .315 team batting average, including 109 runs scored on 173 hits.
CSUF’s first offensive action came in the bottom of the second inning when second baseman Sarah Moore doubled to left center. The next batter, Melissa Sechrest, was hit by a pitch to put two runners on base.
Before the end of the frame, Fullerton ended up loading the bases due to errors committed by the Seminole defense. The Titans managed to squeeze in one run thanks to another hit batter, bringing Moore to home plate.
The Seminoles struck in the top of the fourth for four runs that were sparked by a two-run homer by third basemen Jessica Warren. The Seminoles then cashed in off an RBI single by second baseman Ellie Cooper. An error by third baseman Missy Taukeiaho allowed another run for the Seminoles.
FSU kept pouring it on in the fifth inning, scoring two runs off an RBI single by catcher Sydney Broderick. First baseman Alex Powers also scored on the throw from third base. Cooper recorded her second RBI of the night with a single that brought in Broderick for the Seminoles’ seventh run of the night.
Florida State’s offensive onslaught would end the game in the sixth as they added two more runs on the board on Broderick’s RBI double, her second hit of the night. Shortstop Cali Harrod also scored off a CSUF throwing error.
Golden ended up leaving after five innings, pitched, surrendering six earned runs on 10 hits. FSU pitcher Meghan King also lasted five innings giving up only two hits and one unearned run. Golden drops her record to 7-2, while King improves her record to 8-1.
Fullerton (13-8 overall) earned its eighth loss on the season, while FSU (18-3 overall) brought their winning streak up to 13 games.
“We need to get back to playing Titan softball.” Head Coach Kelly Ford said. “We’ve got to get that synergy back.”
The Titans will head to Long Beach to participate in the Long Beach State tournament for five games, beginning Friday with a game against Utah Valley University (7-7 overall) at 9:30 a.m. at Blair Field.