TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Sixth-ranked Duke (21-1, 4-0 ACC) extended its program-best winning streak to 21 games on Friday night after defeating No. 16 Florida State (17-7, 0-1 ACC), 10-5, at JoAnne Graf Field.
Senior
Claire Davidson was the engine that powered Duke's offense, batting 3-for-3 with four RBI and two runs. The Lakewood Ranch, Fla., native was one double shy of hitting for the cycle after finishing with a single, triple and home run during the contest.
Senior
Jala Wright picked up the win following a solid performance in the circle that allowed just one earned run off four hits with four strikeouts in 5.1 innings of work. She improves to 9-0 in the circle this season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Davidson opened the scoring with a two-run blast off the scoreboard to put the Blue Devils in front in the top of the first. Her hit also scored junior Ana Gold who reached on an error during the previous at bat.
- Davidson struck again two frames later with an RBI-triple to again score Gold from first after a base hit to left field put her on base.
- Redshirt-sophomore Jada Baker continued the offensive momentum with an RBI-single to right center field in the fourth to score senior Kelly Torres, who led off with an infield single before advancing on a groundout.
- The Blue Devil offense did not let up as they tacked on three additional runs off four hits in the top of the fifth to create a 7-0 gap between the teams.
- Baker opened the sixth inning with a solo shot out of left field on the first pitch she saw to extend Duke's lead to 8-0.
- Later in the inning, senior Sarah Goddard and sophomore D'Auna Jennings successfully reached on a single and a walk, respectively, before moving into scoring position on a passed ball. Sophomore Aminah Vega then brought them home with a two-RBI double to left center field to round out Duke's 10 runs.
- Florida State sparked some offense in the home half of the sixth, pushing four runs across the plate to avoid the shutout.
- The Seminoles added one additional run in the bottom of the seventh before senior Lillie Walker took over in the circle to record the final out.
- Walker entered the game with two runners on and struck out the final batter on three straight pitches to shut the door on the Seminoles.
NOTES
- The win marked the Blue Devils' first road victory over the Seminoles and third overall in the all-time series.
- Duke tallied its eighth multi-home run game of the season after Baker and Davidson each recorded long balls.
- The Blue Devils are now 2-1 against top-25 opponents this season, falling only to No. 1 Oklahoma.
- Vega finished 2-for-4 at the plate while driving in four of Duke's 10 runs.
- Davidson reached the 100 career hits milestone after batting 3-for-3 on the night.
- Wright holds a 0.43 ERA and has allowed just one run in her last 31.1 innings pitched.
UP NEXT
Duke and Florida State continue their three-game conference series on Saturday afternoon with pitch slated for 1 p.m.
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