ChompTalk.com

Following back-to-back wins to open its first SEC road series, No. 5 Florida run-ruled Mississippi State 8-0 Sunday afternoon in Starkville to complete the sweep.

After blanking the Bulldogs Friday night, Florida right-hander Elizabeth Hightower hurled her second complete-game shutout of the weekend and earned her 10th win. The junior becomes just the sixth pitcher in the SEC to reach double-digit victories. The Gators’ strikeout leader (62) yielded a lot of unusual contact and struck out only one batter; Hightower forced five groundouts and nine fly outs while allowing just two hits and one walk.

After hitting her first career home run against her former team Friday, Florida shortstop Kinsey Goelz took Mississippi State right-hander Annie Willis yard again in the top of the second inning. Goelz’s two-run shot gave Florida an early 2-0 advantage.

In the top of the fourth, the Gators tacked on six more runs, granting them a mercy-rule lead. A trio of base hits loaded the bases before consecutive four-pitch walks put Florida on top 4-0. Designated player Jordan Matthews followed the walks up with a single that allowed two more runs to score.

Freshman Katie Kistler pinch ran for Matthews and stole second to put runners in scoring position with one out for catcher Julia Cottrill. On a full count, Cottrill drove a two-run single up the middle, which effectively extended Florida’s commanding lead to run-rule territory.

Final (R/H/E)

No. 5 Florida: 8 / 9 / 1

Mississippi State: 0 / 2 / 3

Pitching Decision

Win: Hightower (10-0)

Loss: Willis (7-2)

Individual Stats (season totals)

Hightower: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (0.71 ERA, 0.65 WHIP)

Adams: 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B (.425 BA)

Lindaman: 1-3, 1 BB (.338 BA)

Echols: 0-1, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB (.418 BA)

A. Goelz: 0-2, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB (.279 BA)

Matthews: 2-3, 1 RBI (.269 BA)

Cottrill: 2-3, 2 RBI (.250 BA)

Hoover: 0-2, 1 R, 1 HBP (.291 BA)

K. Goelz: 1-3, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 HR (2) (.250 BA)

Lindsey: 1-3, 1 R (.394 BA)

Next Up

The Gators will return the Sunshine State ahead of a non-conference tilt in Orlando Wednesday against UCF. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.