Arizona softball shut out by No. 15 Florida State, loses series in Tallahassee

After run-ruling opponents left and right to begin the season, Arizona softball’s offense has suddenly gone ice cold. The No. 2-ranked Wildcats were shut out 2-0 by No. 15 Florida State on Saturday, dropping the series two games to one in Tallahassee.

It’s a miracle Arizona won a game at all. They scored just three runs in the series. Mariah Lopez throwing a three-hit shutout in a 1-0 win Friday ensured they weren’t swept.

Alyssa Denham did her best to do the same Saturday but the Seminoles scratched out a run with a sacrifice squeeze in the second inning. They added another in the sixth when Kalei Harding led off with a double and later beat a throw home on a fielder’s choice, though it’s not like it was needed anyway.

Arizona (14-3) only tallied five hits, all singles. They also grounded into two tide-turning double plays—one in the second inning with the bases loaded and another in the third with runners on first and second.

Arizona struggled converting with runners in scoring position all weekend. They also struck out way too much. FSU’s Caylan Arnold relieved Katheryn Sandercock with two on and one out in the fourth and promptly fanned freshmen Carlie Scupin and Allie Skaggs to end the frame.

Arnold struck out eight Wildcats in just 3.2 innings of work. That was after she and Danielle Watson combined for 13 punchouts on Friday when they held UA to five hits.

Saturday was the second time Arizona was blanked on their Florida trip. They also lost 2-0 to No. 22 UCF on Monday, their first game against ranked team. The Wildcats have another tough road series next weekend when they head to No. 8 Washington.

Will the bats make the trip this time?