(SB) Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

My guess is that Walton is gauging the depth of his staff while keeping Hightower fresh for conference play. He, also, needs to get Delbrey live game experience, as she's the up & coming ace of the staff. Look for Hightower to pitch against UCF tomorrow. They beat us twice last year and the Gators want revenge.

 

UF beats Oakland tonight 6-1 to go to 14-0. They only had 2 hits, a HR to lead of the game off Natalie Lugo, who pitched 5 innings for the win and a 2 out single in the 7th off Trlicek. The Gators had 8 hits, including 2 by Falby & 2 from Wallace. Echols had 3 RBI, Adams had 2 and A. Goelz had 1. 4 more stolen bases tonight, as the Gators are tearing it up on the base paths. Big doubleheader tomorrow, with the first game at 1 pm vs. James Madison, then a 4 pm game vs. UCF.

 

The 15-0 Gators just finished off James Madison 6-4, as Natalie Lugo threw a strong 6 innings, giving up 2 unearned runs on 5 hits with 9 K's and a walk in a game where the Gators squandered several scoring chances. Marissa Mesiemore started the 7th, but was relieved by Lexie Delbrey after walking 2 and having a 3-2 count while only retiring 1 batter. Delbrey walked that batter to load the bases, then walked in 2 runs before being replaced by Rylee Trlicek, who got a strikeout and a ground out to end the game and earn a save. Hannah Adams went 3-4 with 2 solo HR, while Charla Echols had a 3-run HR. UF also had 4 more stolen bases, giving them 41 on the season.
They now have to turn around and play a very good UCF team in about 45 minutes without Elizabeth Hightower, who has not pitched this weekend.

 

Florida is now 16-0 after a wild and crazy 12-11 win over UCF in a game that lasted almost 4 hours. Both teams pitching & defense was pretty bad, as UCF made 4 errors, the Gators 1 officially, with several misplays in the field. Delbrey, Trlicek, Mesiemore and Lugo walked 9 batters and gave up 15 hits, with Lugo throwing the last 2 innings and only giving up 1 run to get the save. Florida got 12 hits and 9 walks and were led by Kendra Falby, who went 2-4 with 4 RBI and a HR, Charla Echols 1-3 with 4 RBI and a HR, Katie Kistler 3-3 with 3 runs scored and Sarah Longley 2-5 with 2 RBI. Elizabeth Hightower was unable to pitch this weekend, apparently due to a shoulder issue, Lugo was stretched thin and the other Gator pitchers struggles. But they are still unbeaten.