The umpires for Florida’s softball game against Long Beach State in California were late showing up but that didn’t slow down the Gators as they get a 10-1 win to improve their record to 22-0 this season.
Florida pitcher Aleshia Ocasio had another solid performance in the circle. The freshman clocked in six innings of work, only allowing one earned run and striking out eight. This is her first start all year she did not complete. Senior Lauren Haeger came in to pitch in the seventh to finish Long Beach State.
Offensively, the Gators had themselves another double-digit performance, the seventh time this year Florida has scored at least 10 runs. Lauren Haeger led the way for the Gators, knocking a three-run home run in the top of the sixth. She now has seven home runs and 28 runs batted in, both more than what Florida’s opponents have been able to record all year.
Florida will continue play in California today in Fullerton for the Judi Garman Classic that will run for the next three days. UF will be facing third ranked Michigan, San Jose State, 13th ranked Arizona, second ranked Oregon, and Fresno State.
The Gators will be facing familiar foes in this tournament. Earlier in the season, Florida defeated Michigan 2-1 in the USF Softball Classic. And at the beginning of this California road trip, the Gators topped Oregon 3-0 in the San Diego Classic.
After the Judi Garman Classic, Florida will return home for the start of the SEC schedule.