OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – Kristin Schmidt tossed a complete game and struck out 13 to lead LSU to a 2-1 victory over Florida State, eliminating the Seminoles from the Women’s College World Series.
The game was a rematch of the 2004 NFCA Leadoff Classic championship games. In that game, the Tigers also were victorious, winning 4-3 behind another strong pitching performance from Schmidt.
“What can I say that I have not said all season about Kristin ,” said LSU head coach Yvette Girouard. “She was unstoppable.”
Schmidt gave up two hits in the first inning, including a leadoff home run from Veronica Wootson. She did not give up another hit until a sixth inning double from Collegiate Player of the Year Jessica van der Linden.
Girouard had previously indicated that freshman Emily Turner would get the start against the Seminoles. The suspension of the Stanford-Oklahoma game pushed back the game until Sunday, giving Schmidt must-needed rest.
“It was nice to have the time off,” Schmidt said. “Anytime that you can get a day of rest, it really benefits you.”
LSU led off with three singles to open the first inning, but were only able to manage a single run. Sara Fitzgerald added an RBI single in the fourth to give the Tigers a lead that they would not relinquish.
“We came out attacking,” said Girouard. “Our kids would not be denied.”
LSU used a lineup that they had not used all season. Lauren Castle led off, followed by speedsters LaDonia Hughes and Camille Harris, who normally is in the No. 9 spot.
“We love their speed,” Girouard said of the Hughes-Harris combo. “When your No. 9-hole hitter is on fire, you have to do something to get them more opportunities.”
LSU, the last non-Pac 10 team remaining at the WCWS, advances to face California in the national semifinals. The Tigers must defeat Cal twice to advance to Monday night’s championship game, where they would face either UCLA or Stanford.
Notes from the Diamond
- Today’s game was the third meeting all-time between LSU and Florida State, and the second this season. LSU won both meetings in 2004, and lead the overall series 2-1.
- Kristin Schmidt has struck out 23 Seminole batters in two games this season.
- Jessica van der Linden committed her first error of the season in the first inning, allowing the Tigers to plate their first run of the game.
- In 19 of FSU’s 21 innings at the WCWS, at least one runner reached base.
