Preview: No.1 Florida Softball Returns Home to Face No. 8 Florida State

After a sweep of Ole Miss over the weekend, No. 1 Florida (38-3) is looking to add momentum as they play No. 8 Florida State (31-4) Wednesday night. This is the first meeting of the season for these in-state rivals and top-10 teams.

Florida has dominated in nonconference play. They are undefeated in 26 nonconference games and have won 117 of 119 games, dating back to 2013. Florida has also beat Florida State in 14 of their last 15 meetings. The last time these teams met last season, Florida won 5-0.

On the pitching side, Florida has a combined team ERA of 0.85. Florida pitcher Aleisha Ocasio (13-1) is first in the country with an ERA of 0.45 and Delanie Gourley (11-2) is third with an ERA of 0.78. Kelly Barnhill (14-0) has the highest ERA on the team with 1.38. Even with Florida’s tremendous pitching, Florida State’s pitching is up there too. Florida State pitcher Jessica Burroughs (18-2) has a 1.79 ERA and 135 strikeouts. FSU’s second full time pitcher, Meghan King (13-2), has an ERA of 2.05.

When it comes to defense, double plays have also benefited both teams. Florida has turned 19 double plays and FSU is close behind with 17. Walton recognizes how well FSU has been fielding in addition to their pitching.

The long ball is also a friend to both teams. So far this season season, Florida has hit 35 home runs. Over this past weekend alone at Ole Miss, Florida hit eight home runs. Florida head coach Tim Walton hopes this hot streak continues at home. Florida State only five behind with 30 home runs on the season.

Florida State is not only a home run and double plays threat, but they are also a stolen base threat. The Seminoles have stolen 89 bases with 101 attempts. Florida State outfielder Morgam Klaevemann alone is 30-33 when stealing bases. The Gators have allowed only three stolen bases through 41 games; the fewest allowed in school history.

✌🏼️✌🏼😀😀 – It's Gameday!! #GoGators pic.twitter.com/oIW8J3Bs5e

— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) April 13, 2016

This is the first game in an eight game home stand for the Gators, including a weekend off from SEC play. First pitch for Wednesday’s game between the Gators and Seminoles is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Gainesville.