SB: Gators Kick Off Bubly Invitational With Pair of Victories

After dropping its first game this season Wednesday, No. 4 Florida bounced back with consecutive wins over Georgia State and Coastal Carolina Friday in Gainesville.

The Gators prevailed over Georgia State by two runs thanks to fifth-year Hannah Adams’ late RBI single and freshman Reagan Walsh’s sixth-inning solo shot.

In the circle, Florida senior Elizabeth Hightower pitched the first four frames and gave up one run before right-hander Marissa Mesiemore retired nine of the next 11 batters to earn her second win this year.

In the latter contest, Florida rejuvenated its offense as it racked up 11 hits and five extra-base hits en route to a commanding 8-1 victory over Coastal Carolina.

Redshirt junior Skylar Wallace — who transitioned from first base to shortstop — filled the stat sheet with three RBIs, three stolen bases, a pair of triples, a single and a walk.

Florida right-hander Lexie Delbrey started in the circle and surrendered a solo shot in the top of the first before the freshman settled in for five shutout frames.

Delbrey nearly went the distance, but junior southpaw Rylee Trlicek came in for relief after Delbrey allowed a leadoff walk and hit-by-pitch to begin the top of the seventh. Trilcek recorded three straight outs to secure Florida’s win.

Game 1

Final (R/H/E)

Georgia State: 1 / 2 / 3

#4 Florida: 3 / 4 / 0

Pitching Decision

Win: Mesiemore (2-0)

Loss: Adams (1-1)

Individual Stats

Hightower: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

Mesiemore: 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

1. LF Falby: 1-2, R, BB, SB
2. 2B Adams: 1-3, RBI
3. SS Wallace: 0-2, HBP, SB
4. 3B Echols: 0-3, K
5. DP Walsh: 1-3, R, RBI, HR (2)
6. CF Lindsey: 1-3
7. 1B A. Goelz: 0-1, R, HBP
8. C Wilkie: 0-2, K, SB
9. RF Kistler: 0-2

Game 1

Final (R/H/E)

Coastal Carolina: 1 / 2 / 2

#4 Florida: 8 / 11 / 0

Pitching Decision

Win: Delbrey (6-1)

Loss: Picone (3-3)

Individual Stats

Delbrey: 6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 K

Trlicek: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

1. LF Falby: 2-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, SB
2. 2B Adams: 2-4, 2 R, RBI, SB
3. SS Wallace: 3-3, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 3B, BB, 3 SB
4. 3B Echols: 0-3, RBI
5. DP Walsh: 2-3, RBI
6. CF Lindsey: 0-3, SB
7. 1B A. Goelz: 0-3
8. C Roe: 1-3, R
9. RF Kistler: 1-3

Next Up

The Gators will face Tennessee State Saturday at 1 p.m.