Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

Florida softball eked out a huge 2-1, 9 inning win at LSU Sunday afternoon to improve to 38-13, finishing their SEC schedule at 13-11. Both teams had 6 hits for the game, but the Gators also got 7 walks and stranded 11 base runners, as they had multiple chances to add more runs and just couldn't get the big hit until the top of the 9th when Cheyenne Lindsey, who had struck out 4 times during the game, hit an 0-2 pitch for a HR against the scoreboard to give UF the 2-1 lead. The Gators had scored first to go up 1-0 in the 2nd inning on a sac. fly from Kendra Falby. LSU tied it up in the 4th on a walk, stolen base and single. Elizabeth Hightower pitched well for the Gators, going 5.1 innings, giving up 1 run on 5 hits, 2 walks, a HBP and 3 K's. Rylee Trlicek was excellent in relief, going 2.1 innings and giving up only a walk. Natalie Lugo (9-4) threw the final 1.1 innings, giving up only 1 hit. Florida had singles from Katie Kistler, Avery Goelz and Reagan Walsh, plus a single and double from Cali Decker. The Gators are working to be a Top 8 National Seed and right now are probably on the bubble, with a very strong RPI and SOS helping their cause. They have a huge game Wednesday night 6 pm at #3 FSU on ESPNU, then close out their season with doubles headers Friday and Saturday vs. Mercer & Florida Gulf Coast.

 

Somebody was questioning why I was mentioning Cali Decker a couple of weeks ago - how good a hitter she was supposed to be and how her injury in the fall put her behind.

Interesting point, but the home schedule was brutal - Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, plus the FSU loss accounts for 8 of our 10 homes losses. But they have played well away from home, no doubt. They got great pitching and defense Saturday & Sunday. That's the key.