SB: Lugo Goes the Distance as Gators Blank South Alabama to Reach Regional Final
Photo by Brian Fox | ChompTalk.com

Following a 1-0 walk-off victory against USF Friday, No. 4 Florida cruised to a 10-0 win over South Alabama Saturday to advance to Sunday’s Gainesville Regional Final.

Senior right-hander Natalie Lugo started in the circle for the Gators and went the distance for the fifth time this year. Lugo struck out a season-high 11 batters and gave up just two singles and a pair of walks.

The Gators jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first after left fielder Jaimie Hoover drove in second baseman Hannah Adams and designated player Emily Wilkie on a two-out infield single.

After a one-two-three second inning, Florida third baseman Charla Echols led off the top of the third with her team-leading 15th home run. The Gators held a 3-0 advantage until the fifth inning when right fielder Baylee Goddard drew a bases-loaded walk.

Florida sparked a hit parade in the last two innings to give Lugo six insurance runs. Three consecutive singles to begin the top of the sixth produced a three-run inning before South Alabama pulled its starting pitcher, Olivia Lackie.

Jaguars right-hander Jenna Hardy relieved Lackie in the top of the seventh but allowed three additional Florida runs. Up 8-0 with two outs, first baseman Kendyl Lindaman delivered an opposite-field, two-run single.

Final (R/H/E)

No. 4 Florida: 10 / 11 / 0

South Alabama: 0 / 2 / 0

Pitching Decision

Win: Lugo (17-2)

Loss: Lackie (19-11)

Individual Stats

Lugo: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 11 K

  1. Adams: 1-4, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 SB
  2. Wilkie: 2-4, 2 R, 1 RBI, 1 2B, 1 K, 1 HBP
  3. Echols: 2-3, 1 R, 2 RBIs, 1 2B, 1 HR (15), 1 BB, 1 K
  4. Lindaman: 2-5, 2 RBIs
  5. Cottrill: 1-3, 1 RBI, 2 BB
  6. Hoover: 1-3, 2 RBIs, 1 BB
  7. Goddard: 0-1, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 HBP
  8. Longley: 1-3, 1 K
  9. Lindsey: 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB

Gainesville Regional Final

The Gators will face the winner of the semifinal between South Alabama and USF in the Regional Final Sunday at noon.

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