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Final: Florida 3, Florida Gulf Coast 1

The #7 Florida Gators topped the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium on Wednesday night by a score of 3-1. Florida improves to 18-4 (10-2 at home), while FGCU drops to 13-7, losing its first road game of the season.

Game Recap

Despite a minor hiccup in the first inning, Florida starting pitcher, Natalie Lugo, threw a complete-game gem versus the FGCU offense. Lugo got tagged for a two-out solo shot in the top of the first courtesy of Mikenzie Vaughn, but the right-hander proceeded to pitch six consecutive shutout innings with ease.

The Gators tied the game up at 1 in the second inning via Hannah Adams’ four-pitch, bases-loaded walk, which scored Julia Cottrill.

After several quiet innings, Baylee Goddard broke the tie in the bottom of the fifth on a 2-run homer to centerfield, giving Florida a 3-1 lead. It was the freshman’s fourth home run of the season, putting her behind only Kendyl Lindaman (5) and Charla Echols (7).

Notable Stats:

• Natalie Lugo (7 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 7 K)
• Baylee Goddard (1-1, HR, 2 RBI, 2 HBP)
• Julia Cottrill (2-2, 1 R, 1 BB)
• Florida is now 5-1 all-time vs FGCU

Pitching Decision

Win: Natalie Lugo (7-2)

Loss: Sarah Lawton (6-3)

Looking Ahead

Florida will look to carry its momentum into the weekend as they open up conference play with a 3-game home series against Auburn. Meanwhile, FGCU faces a quick turnaround as they travel south for the Madeira Beach Tournament where they’ll take on Loyola-Chicago tomorrow afternoon followed by double-headers on both Friday and Saturday.