Digging out the old scorebook and getting ready for tonight. One of my absolute favorite things to do is score a baseball or softball game. Fun and it brings into better focus everything that is happening.
I'm looking forward to seeing what Taylor Shumaker does in her first game as a Gator. I just looked up Amanda Lorenz's debut in 2016 against Illinois State. The Gators won 11-0 in 5 innings. She hit 3rd in the order behind Kelsey Stewart and Kirsti Merritt. Amanda played LF and walked, grounded out twice and walked, scoring 2 runs. Her 2nd game, against Michigan, which UF won 8-0 in 5 innings, Lorenz went 3-3, with 3 singles, 3 runs scored and an RBI.
No pressure. She will be great....tonight....next week...or next month but it will happen. She could slump at the start and it wouldn't change my opinion.
No surprises on the starting lineup except maybe Walsh at first base instead of Ava. The Stat page doesn’t list a DH. Possibly Ava? edit: I stand corrected, the box score has Ava as DH batting 7th. Schumaker batting 2nd. That’s good news if coach has that much confidence in her.
I’m watching the USF Illinois State game currently on ESPN+ for anyone who wants to get a quick look at USF or their facility before our game at 6pm. Anyone except Ocalaman that is! JK!
That said today is the first day of work. It’s going to take a lot of work for these players and this coaching staff to get where they want to be and where us lunatics want them to be. Despite the talent there will hopefully be some challenges and tribulations along the way. I’ve got faith in CTW, his coaching staff and these players. I think this season could be extra special! I hope to see a few games live this season and finally meet some of you irl. Go Gators! P.S. I’m so excited lol!
They aren't pitching Benning. Probably saving her for a game they could win and it likely won't be this one.
Keagan's body is vastly different than when she was a pudgy 14 year old kid. She has put in the work.
Rothorck gets 'em 1,2,3 in the top of the 1st. Falby walks, steals 2nd and then Otis hits a 2-run HR. 2-0 Gators after 1 Keagan gives up 2 singles, then works her way out of it with no runs allowed. Bottom of the 2nd, Brown fouls out, Mia HBP, Holtorff walks, Falby sacrifices them to 2nd and 3rd and then TAYLOR SHUMAKER blasts a 3-run HR. Gators lead 5-0 going to the 3rd.
Rothrock gets 3 straight outs in the top of the 3rd, but the Gators only get a Brown walk in the bottom of the inning. Kylie Shaw pinch runs for her. In the top of the 4th Keagan mows them down again, with Cahalan making a really nice play on a hot shot to third. I'm surprised Florida only has 2 hits, both home runs. But it's opening game.
Props to the Gators softball strength and conditioning program. I’m noticing a drastic change in some of the players. They look sooo much sleeker and stronger. The other thing that really caught my attention was Rick was right about Taylor lol!
