Lonni Alameda honest about strike zone challenges against Oklahoma

After there were some questions about the strike zone in the first game of the Women’s College World Series, Florida State coach Lonni Alameda opened up about how it factors into the game.

As Alameda explained, it’s nothing new. Different strike zones are a thing that they’ve had to deal with and adjust to all season long. So, the Seminoles should know how to handle that kind of situation.

“We’ve been handling strike zones all year. Nothing changes, right?” Lonni Alameda said.

“I think, again, if you let that become a part of you or the lightning become a part of you, then you’re taking away from what we need to do. The talk is just staying in it like we’ve been all year.”

It didn’t help Florida State that Oklahoma pitcher Jordy Bahl was dealing in the first game of the WCWS. In the end, the Seminoles were shut out and know that they need to find a way to produce runs if they’re going to force a third game.

Still, as Lonni Alameda admits, coming back against Oklahoma is going to be a tall task.

“Yeah, tomorrow’s game to end the season. Yeah so, I mean, it’s a reality,” Alameda said.

“Oklahoma is 60-1. There’s a lot of teams they’ve beat. We know this is a tall task. They’re a great ball club. I think the so what, next pitch kind of mindset is more about us staying in it, then really making sure that we just can’t give the inches that they got today. They take advantage of them so well.”

Lonni Alameda praised Mack Leonard

Florida State started Mack Leonard in the first game of the WCWS. She provided a spark that Florida State needed to start the game, throwing three scoreless innings.

After that performance, Lonni Alameda praised Mack Leonard for that performance.

“We’ll see if some adjustments are happening,” Alameda said. “I think she’s getting the ball down in the zone, mixing speeds a little bit. That’s the big thing for her. She’s relaxed. This is a big moment for a lot of these pitchers to be in. Kat [Sandercock’s] got the most experience, but these guys are starting to build it. I’m really proud of her. This is awesome. This is why she came here, this is what she wanted. I’m super proud of her.”

Once Leonard left the game, Florida State’s pitching gave in to the Oklahoma bats, giving up five runs. The offense never got going and it cost them the game.