Florida Softball Keep Bulldogs On A Leash, Clinch Series Win In Doubleheader

Inclement weather on Friday forced the third ranked Florida Gator softball team and 11th ranked Georgia Bulldogs to play a doubleheader on Saturday. After winning both games 8-4 and 4-3, the Gators can get their third consecutive SEC sweep on Sunday.

Game 1 was the Lauren Haeger show. With her 14th home run of the year, the senior surpasses Megan Bush for most home runs in an SEC and Gator career. Just like she has done the entire season, Haeger didn’t just come up big in the batter’s box. After allowing three runs in the first inning, she shut down the Georgia Bulldogs only giving up one more run.

In the top of the seventh with the game tied at four, a freshman stepped up big for the Gators. Outfielder Nicole DeWitt belted a grand slam to give Florida a four-run advantage. It was her first home run of her Gator career.

Game 2 had some late-game drama as well. Florida had gained another early lead with a three-run home run from senior Bailey Castro. Brianna Little drove in another insurance run in the top of the seventh to enter the final inning with a 4-1 lead.

Freshman pitcher Aleshia Ocasio was dealing all game. Through six innings, she only allowed one run and struck out five. The tables turned quickly when Georgia got back-to-back home runs from Alex Hugo and Tina Iosefa. A change was needed.

Gator coach Tim Walton decided to bring in the struggling Delanie Gourley to pitch with no outs and a one run lead. Walton’s decision to put in Gourley was the right move. The sophomore southpaw struck out the side to secure the victory for the Gators.

Florida improves its record to 43-4, 13-4 in the SEC. Georgia falls to 35-13, 12-8 in the SEC.

The Gators look for the sweep today at 1 p.m.