No. 2/3 Gator softball drops series opener to No. 23 Georgia

Behind a career performance from freshman starting pitcher Chelsea Wilkinson, the Georgia Bulldogs (35-16, 12-7 SEC) were able to pull out a 3-2 win over the Florida Gator softball team (45-6, 14-5 SEC) on Friday evening at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium.

Wilkinson struck out a career high 14 batters in seven innings of work and did not allow a run until the game’s final inning. The freshman attacked the Gator batters with a variety  of three offspeed pitches, and Florida head coach Tim Walton says that was part of the reason his team struggled at the plate.

The game was scoreless through the first four innings as Florida ace Hannah Rogers matched Wilkinson pitch for pitch and had a no hitter going through 4.2 innings. However, with two outs in the fifth and a runner on first base, Bulldogs catcher Katie Browne came up to the plate next and ripped a double to right center scoring the runner from first.

The score remained at 1-0 until the seventh inning. After a single Browne hit another double to center field and a run scored on an overthrow to third base by Florida freshman center fielder Kirsti Merrit, which allowed Browne to advance to third. Browne was pinch run for by junior Tiesha Reed who scored on a bunt single by Bulldogs’ outfielder Samantha LaZear.

Despite being down three runs in the final frame the Gators did not go down without a fight. Florida loaded the bases in the bottom of the seventh after a leadoff walk to Brianna Little, a Bailey Castro hit-by-pitch, and a bunt single from freshman Kelsey Stewart. Merritt then came up and after a 15 pitch at bat, and drew a walk bringing Little home.

Castro then scored after a sac fly from Florida sophomore Lauren Haeger, but that was all the damage the Gators would do. Florida senior outfielder Kelsey Horton came up next and hit a ball hard to third base but it was fielded by Swafford.

Walton says despite the loss, he was proud of the fight his team showed thorughout the entire game.

Game two of the series will begin Saturday noon. It will be Senior Day at the park as Gator seniors Kelsey Gorton and Ensley Gammel will be honored before the game.

About Robert Lopez

Check Also

Orange & Blue Sports Network

Catch the student-led broadcasts from the College of Journalism and Communications right here.

LIVE THREAD: National Signing Day

Here’s an updated thread of all the recruits who picked the Gator hat today! RB …

AFC Divisional Round Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers

During last weekend’s NFL Wild Card round, the Steelers made a statement by handing the Dolphins a …

Houston Looking For an Upset in Foxborough

The saying has always been “it’s hard to beat a good team twice,” and in …

Blue Jackets vs. Lightning Tonight

The Columbus Blue Jackets and the Tampa Bay Lightning will be facing each other once …

Possible Additions to McElwain’s Recruiting Class Visiting this Weekend

With National Signing Day less than three weeks away, the Gators are hosting several talented …

Florida Gymnastics Prepares for Season Opener

GAINESVILLE, FL – The Florida Gator gymnastics team will kick off their season this Sunday …

Surprised Gators Promote Randy Shannon To Defensive Coordinator? You Shouldn’t Be

Florida’s head coach, Jim McElwain, announced Friday morning that Randy Shannon would be making the …

Quarterbacks in Spotlight for NFL Wild Card Weekend

The NFL Wild Card kicks off Saturday and the quarterback situations could not be any more different. On …

College Football Playoff Shakes Up Schedule

The College Football Playoff was a success in its first year. Yet, that doesn’t stop …

Michael Jordan Speaks out about Shootings, Police Officers

NBA great Michael Jordan opened up about his thoughts about shootings of African-Americans and the …

Treon Harris to Transfer

With the college football season approaching, the Florida Gators have announced that former starting QB …

USA Basketball Wins Second Exhibition Game

Just a few short days after their big win over Argentina, team USA won its …

Charlotte Is No Longer The Home Of The 2017 NBA All-Star Game

The House Bill 2 came between Charlotte, North Carolina and the 2017 All-Star Game. The …

Tampa Bay Rays Continue Series Against Oakland

The Tampa Bay Rays are continuing their three-game winning streak. The Rays defeated the Oakland …

MLB Preview Tonight

It’s summer time—the best time to go to a baseball game and experience the atmosphere. …

Braves Begin Series With Rockies

The Atlanta Braves (33-62) open up a four-game road series with the Rockies (43-51) tonight …

Marlins To Close Out Series With The Phillies

The Miami Marlins are in the middle of a crucial ten game span against NL East …

Rays Crush Rockies 11-3, Face A’s Next

In the midst of a terrible season that has seen the Tampa Bay Rays (37-57) …

American League Second Half Outlook

The second half of the baseball season is in full swing which translates to? Pennant races. Teams …

National League Evening Preview

Tonight is a busy night for the National League in the MLB. Starting with the …

Big 12 Looks To Expand

Following a Tuesday meeting between Big 12 presidents, Oklahoma president David Boren announced that the …

LSU Looks To Capitalize On Its Opportunity

The Louisiana State University Tigers will enter the 2016 college football season with high expectations, …

Muschamp Helps Close Out SEC Media Days 2016

It wasn’t Will Muschamps first SEC Media Days experience, but 2016 marked the first time …

Phil Mickelson Leads British Open After First Day

The 145th annual 2016 British Open is underway at Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. The …

Missouri’s Football Crisis: Rebuilding A Program

On the final day of SEC Media Days, Barry Odom took the stand as Missouri’s head …

Second Half Of MLB Season Begins

The All-Star Break is a good time for teams to rest up and reform themselves …

British Open Underway

The 145th Open Championship is already underway at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland. Welcome …

Eight SEC Women’s Basketball Teams Headed to the “Big Dance”

Heading into the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, eight SEC teams have earned bids. An …