SB: Hightower Outduels Penta as Florida Clinches Road Series at Auburn and Picks Up 30th Win

Florida right-hander Elizabeth Hightower hurled a complete-game shutout Sunday in Auburn en route to a 3-0 series-clinching victory over the Tigers. The senior Monticello, Florida, native allowed just three hits and a pair of walks while striking out five batters.

The Gators improve to 30-6 overall and 7-5 in conference play — sixth in the SEC.

Auburn right-hander Maddie Penta started in the circle and dealt four shutout innings before Florida right fielder Cheyenne Lindsey led off the top of the fifth with a double and scored on left fielder Katie Kistler’s one-out single.

An inning later, the Gators added a a pair of insurance runs as freshman Reagan Walsh drove in her 32nd run this season and second baseman Hannah Adams scored on a wild pitch.

Final (R/H/E)

#7 Florida: 3 / 7 / 1

#17 Auburn: 0 / 3 / 0

Pitching Decision

Win: Hightower (10-2)

Loss: Penta (18-3)

Individual Stats

RHP Hightower: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

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

Midweek Rivalry Matchup

The Gators will return home to face No. 2 Florida State Wednesday. The Seminoles enter the matchup with a 35-2 overall record and a perfect 13-0 away record. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the game will air on the SEC Network.