Gator Softball wins a close one in Starkville

The Florida Gator softball team wins the first game of a three game series at Mississippi State with a 3-2 win on Friday night. The Gators overcame a 2-1 first inning deficit to start the game with two runs in the third to get the offensive momentum going. Senior pitcher Lauren Haeger dominated the game and won a close pitching duel, striking out 11 Bulldog batters while only allowing four hits and two walks to complete the game. To start off the offensive momentum, Kirsti Merritt homered for the Gators in the first

inning. But the momentum stalled when Mississippi State took the lead on a two run double. The Gators then loaded the bases in the third on singles by Justine McLean and Kelsey Stewart and a walk to Haeger. McLean scored to tie the game when Kayli Kvistad reached on a fielder’s choice, and Bailey Castro put Florida back in front with an RBI double. Haeger did the rest in the circle for Florida, holding the Bulldogs hitless over the final four innings to earn the win. The Gators are now 31 and 3 and 4-3 in the SEC and will look to improve that record today against the Bulldogs.  

Category: Gators Softball