The Florida Gator softball team took down North Texas on Saturday 9-0 to clinch the series. The Gators are now 48-5 in the season, and will finish the regular season on Sunday with two games.
The team recognized three seniors before the game, Chelsea Herndon, Justine McLean and Delanie Gourley, and all three were in the starting lineup for Florida.
It was Senior Day for three #Gators and we came away with a big win over North Texas! #GoGators pic.twitter.com/FynVVl00M8
— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) May 6, 2017
Recap
In the first inning, the Gators drew three straight walks with one out to load the bases. Aleshia Ocasio picked up her first of two hits on a single up the middle to score Kayli Kvistad and Nicole DeWitt. Chelsea Herndon drove in the third run on a grounder at shortstop to allow Janell Wheaton to score.
Gourley and the defense held up the 3-0 lead as she fanned five batters and scattered a trio of hits until the fifth inning. In the top of the fifth, Kelly Barnhill relieved Gourley with two outs.
The Gators produced six runs in the bottom of the fifth to secure its 14th mercy rule win of the season. Here’s how it all happened:
- Amanda Lorenz homered to center field
- Kvistad singled up the middle; Jacqui Switzer pinch runs
- Switzer steals second base
- DeWitt doubled down the right field; Switzer scored.
- Wheaton grounded out to shortstop; DeWitt advanced to third
- Ocasio doubled, advanced to third on an error in left field; DeWitt scored.
- Herndon gets a bunt single, Ocasio scored.
- Alex Voss pinch ran for Herndon.
- Jordan Roberts homered to right center; Voss and Roberts scoring.
Roberts had her eight homerun of the season.
Senior Day + Gator Victory = A perfect Saturday in Gainesville
Check out the highlights from today's 9-0 win over North Texas. pic.twitter.com/iiVfmimKUZ
— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) May 6, 2017
Up Next
The Gators will wrap up the regular season tomorrow with a double-header starting at non against North Texas and then Florida A&M to follow. You can watch both games on SEC Network+ via the Watch ESPN App.