The Gators overcame a two-run deficit in the final two innings to secure a 3-2 series-opening victory over Texas A&M Friday night in College Station, Texas.
Florida right-hander Elizabeth Hightower struck out a season-high eight batters and threw her second complete game this week. The senior gave up just one earned run in the third inning and retired the final seven batters she faced in order.
Offensively, the Gators failed to score while stranding four baserunners until the top of the sixth when freshman Reagan Walsh’s RBI double cut the deficit in half. In the seventh, the bottom third of Florida’s lineup led off, which resulted in two quick outs.
But the Gator dugout wore their rally visors as centerfielder Kendra Falby laced a base hit through the right side and second baseman Hannah Adams put down a bunt single to load the bases for shortstop Skylar Wallace. On a 2-2 count, Wallace ripped a go-ahead, two-run single up the middle.
On the bases, Florida did not test Aggies catcher Mayce Allen, which marks just the second game this year in which the Gators failed to steal at least one base.
Final (R/H/E)
#4 Florida: 3 / 6 / 2
Texas A&M: 2 / 3 / 3
Pitching Decision
Win: Hightower (7-0)
Loss: Uribe (3-2)
Individual Stats
RHP Hightower: 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K [1.21/0.95 season ERA/WHIP]
- CF Falby: 1-3, R, BB, K [.488 season BA]
- 2B Adams: 1-4, K [.451]
- SS Wallace: 1-3, R, 2 RBI, BB, K [.456]
- 3B Echols: 1-2, 2 BB [.316]
- DP Walsh: 1-3, RBI, K [.278]
- RF Lindsey: 0-3 [.370]
- 1B A. Goelz: 0-2 [.327]
- C Wilkie: 1-2 [.200]
- LF Kistler: 0-2, R, BB [.383]
Next Up
The Gators and Aggies will meet for game two of the series in College Station Saturday at 3 p.m.
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