Gator Softball Defeats Mississippi State Behind Aubree Munro’s Grand Slam

Florida Gator catcher Aubree Munro has never been much of a home run hitter, but Saturday’s game showed she can hit one when needed. The No. 1 Florida Gator softball team (44-3) defeated Mississippi State (24-22) 6-3 on Saturday behind Munro’s grand slam to win the series over the Bulldogs.

A day after a 16-0, no-hitter loss, the Bulldogs came out ready to play on Saturday. The Bulldogs struck first, scoring a run in the top of the first and another in the top of the third to take an early 2-0 lead over the Gators.

The Gators responded in a big way in the bottom of the third with six total runs. Kirsti Merritt recorded a RBI double to score both Taylore Fuller and Alex Voss. Moments later, with the game tied 2-2, Munro stepped up to bat with the bases loaded and crushed the ball to center field to record a grand slam, the first of her career and the Gators’ first of the season. The Gators took the lead 6-2 and would not look back.

SEE YA LATER GATOR!!!!!!!!!!! #GrandSlam #Wow #GoGators pic.twitter.com/cX1ewimpIE

— Gator Softball (@GatorsSB) April 23, 2016

Following the game, Munro said she was just trying to hit a ball quickly infield and help the team get ahead when she stepped up to plate. She said it felt really good to hit the grand slam. Saturday’s performance gave Munro her third home run of the season (tied for her season high) and extended her hitting streak to nine games.

Mississippi State managed to score one more run in the top of the fifth after Amanda Ivy doubled to score Caroline Seitz, which was the closest the Bulldogs got to making a comeback. Florida went on to win 6-3.

Pitcher Aleshia Ocasio did not have her best day, giving up five hits and allowing three runs. She did however, manage to strike out seven Mississippi State batters. Delanie Gourley took over in the circle in the sixth and did not allow any hits or runs through the final two innings.

Florida Gator head coach Tim Walton said Mississippi State has found a way to hit Ocasio well.

The Gators will be going for the sweep against the Bulldogs Sunday at 5 p.m. Sunday’s game will be Florida’s last home game for two weeks.