Top-ranked Texas Tech (7-0) handed No. 6 Florida State (6-1) its first loss of the season Thursday, edging the Seminoles 3-2 on the opening day of the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational, .
FSU leaned on its pitching and defense early, holding the Red Raiders scoreless through four innings. The Seminoles struck first in the opening frame on an RBI double by freshman catcher Anne Hinde.
Freshman pitcher Bella Demitrijevic dueled with Texas Tech starter Kaitlyn Terry, who struck out six over six innings. FSU head coach Lonni Alameda turned to her bullpen in the middle innings, using Makenna Reid, Ashtyn Danley and Jazzy Francik to keep the Red Raiders off balance.
Texas Tech broke through in the fifth, scoring three runs on two hits to take the lead. FSU answered in the sixth on an RBI double from Jaysoni Beachum, pulling within 3-2, but Red Raiders closer NiJaree Canady shut down the rally. The Seminoles’ final threat ended in a double play.
FSU returns to the Edward C. Moore Complex on Friday to face Florida Atlantic (5-0) at 7 p.m. The game will stream on ESPN+.
How to watch FSU vs. Florida Atlantic
Peter Holland Jr. covers Florida State athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at PHolland@Gannett.com or on X @_Da_pistol.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State softball falls to Texas Tech, suffers first loss of season
Reporting by Peter Holland Jr., Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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