Florida Softball Clinches Series Over Ole Miss

The Florida Gator softball team had another strong pitching performance to beat the Ole Miss Rebels 3-0 on Saturday afternoon. The win would give Florida the series after winning 2-0 Friday night.

Clutch Pitching Performance

Senior Delanie Gourley got the start in the circle for the Gators. She managed to earn 11 strikeouts and gave up only two hits. Through five innings, Gourley had a no-hitter until she gave up a lead off triple to start the sixth.

It's our annual Yellow Game today, in honor of all those battling Pediatric Cancer. 💛🐊#GoGators pic.twitter.com/MjE8BVWSKy

— Gators SB Equipment (@GatorsSB_EQ) April 22, 2017

On offense, it was the top of the lineup that did the damage for Florida. Six of their seven hits came from Amanda Lorenz, Nicole DeWitt and Kayli Kvistad, who hit first, second and third, respectively. Along with Janell Wheaton in the cleanup position, Lorenz and Kvistad got on base a combined 12 for 12. Collectively, they had five hits and seven walks.

Florida brought on early pressure as they managed to load the bases in the first inning. However, Ole Miss held them from scoring as they finished the inning with two ground outs. The following inning, the Gators adjusted and put two runs on the board.

Jaimie Hoover led of the second inning with a double that was hit hard to the right field corner. Later in the inning, Lorenz would draw a walk with two outs to put runners on first and third. DeWitt followed with a RBI single up the middle that allowed Hoover to score. In the next at bat, Kvistad got a base hit that brought in Lorenz from second base.

The final run of the game was scored in the fourth inning. Lorenz led off and hit a solo home run to left field. She leads the team in home runs this season with eight.

Delanie Gourley was dealing as she had 11 K's & a complete game shutout! Amanda Lorenz had a solo home run & the #Gators won 3-0! 🐊🐊 pic.twitter.com/AJHfZyAmmK

— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB) April 22, 2017

Florida Leads the SEC

The Gators are currently the top ranked team in the nation. In a tough conference, they have managed to win each of their seven SEC series. Of those, they have swept their opponents in four and if they defeat the Rebels on Sunday afternoon that will bring their total sweeps to five. Florida head coach Tim Walton said that sweeping a series makes all the difference when it comes to winning the conference.

The third and final game between the Gators and the Rebels will be Sunday afternoon at 12 p.m. The game will air on the SEC Network.